Efficacy of Quarrying Activities and Heavy Metals on Nutritional Composition of Water Leaf (Talinum triangulare L.)

Abstract

Environmental pollution stands as a significant threat to humanity and it is recognized as a principal cause of diseases and fatalities due to exposure to hazardous substances from both natural and human-induced origins. This research aimed to assess the efficacy of quarrying activities on the nutritional composition, essential characteristics, and heavy metal concentrations in waterleaf (Talinum triangulare L.). Waterleaf plant samples were collected from quarrying sites and non-quarrying control sites for comparative analysis. The findings highlighted substantial alterations in the nutritional and elemental makeup of T. triangulare sourced from the quarrying site, compared to those from the control site. Notably, the waterleaf from the quarry exhibited a significant (p<0.05) increase in tannin, saponin, carbohydrate, and fibre, as well as concentrations of essential minerals including K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, and Cu2+. However, both manganese (Mn2+) and chromium (Cr2+) levels were undetectable at both sites. Moreover, the chlorophyll content in samples from the quarrying site was significantly reduced (p<0.05). In light of these results, it is inferred that quarrying activities have the potential to enhance the presence of certain minerals and phytochemical compounds in T. triangulare grown within the proximity of quarrying environments.