Heavy Metal Accumulation and Phytochemical Profiling of Brassicaceae and Amaranthaceae for Phytoremediation and Medicinal Applications

Background: Human activities contribute significantly to the release of heavy metals into the environment, raising concerns about ecosystem health. Phytoremediation, utilizing plants to detoxify soils, emerges as a sustainable solution. Understanding heavy metal accumulation in different plant species and their secondary metabolites is crucial for environmental management and remediation efforts. Method: Plant samples were collected from western Iraq, and heavy element concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Qualitative assays were conducted to identify active compounds in alcoholic leaf extracts. Results: Iron accumulation varied among species, with S. irio and B. deflexa showing high accumulation. Brassica deflexa showed low accumulations of zinc, cadmium, and copper, with concentrations of 2.0, 0.04, and 2.2 mg/g, respectively, whereas Capsella bursa-pastoris exhibited high levels of all four metals. Copper accumulation patterns highlighted species-specific roles in environmental copper dynamics. Cadmium accumulation ranged from low to exceptional, with implications for phytoremediation. Zinc accumulation varied among species, with potential applications in bioremediation and biofortification. Conclusions: The study demonstrated significant differences in heavy metal accumulation and chemical profiles among plant species in western Iraq, highlighting their potential for phytoremediation and medicinal applications.