Heavy Metal Accumulation on the Roadside Plant Species with Ethnobotanical Significance and Human Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study of a Major Highway Near the Coal Capital of India

Key Points

• High levels of heavy metal accumulation pose significant health risks to nearby communities, particularly through consumption of affected plant species.
• Among sampled plants, excessive lead and cadmium levels were detected, exceeding safety limits for human health as defined by environmental standards.
• Assessment focused on major highways in a coal mining area, evaluating both roadside plants and their potential impact on local health.
• Findings highlight the need for environmental monitoring and public health strategies to mitigate risks associated with heavy metal exposure in urban areas.