HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN SOIL AND PLANT TISSUES OF Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees HARVESTED FROM DIFFERENT PLANTING LOCATIONS.

Nor Shariah S.; Mahmud; T.M.M.; Ahmad; S.H.; Shaari; K.; Wan Zaliha Wan Sembok

Volume : VII, Issue : VIII, August - 2017

HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN SOIL AND PLANT TISSUES OF Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees HARVESTED FROM DIFFERENT PLANTING LOCATIONS.

Nor Shariah S. , Mahmud, T. M. M. , Ahmad, S. H. , Shaari, K. , Wan Zaliha Wan Sembok

Abstract :

As one of the valuable herbs, Andrographis paniculata contains many bioactive compounds for medicinal purposes. However, it can also contain some undesirable components if not properly handled that can be harmful such as heavy metals. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine heavy metals contaminations in soils and tissues of harvested plants from three different planting locations, University Agriculture Park (TPU), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM); Department of Agriculture, Serdang; and Bukit Pulau village, Melaka. Results showed that Al, As, Zn, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni and Pb were detected in soil but only Al, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn were detected in tissues. Contents of Al, Zn, Cr and Ni in soil were found significantly higher in Bukit Pulau village, but, TPU soil displayed higher concentrations of As, Cu and Pb. Samples collected from Department of Agriculture, Serdang had lower concentrations of Al, Zn, Cr and Cu than two other locations. Fortunately, all detected elements in soils or plant tissues were generally below safe levels as issued by local and international authorities.