Heavy Metals Contaminants in Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. BR.): Toxicity and Risk Assessment for Humans along the Swat River Basin, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This research aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation and health risk associated with absorption of selected heavy metals (HMs) i.e., lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) in a wild leafy vegetable Nasturtium officinale that grows along Swat River swampy areas. The areas were categorized using ecological index (RI), which indicates how metal concentrations soil plants change over time. factor was greater than at 400 ≤ RI sites, indicating probable these from N. consumption. Furthermore, for Cd Pb more significant, one majority samples, concerns consuming study site. However, Zn Cu levels lower nutritionally needed levels, raising deficiency population. Plants cultivated Cd-polluted sites nutrient deficient Zn. Intake such can expose people HM contamination nutritional deficiencies. results concluded accumulated significant contents may have but are safe consumption children adults.