bioaccumulation of metals in certain plants has attracted a lot of attention for monitoring of pollution. India too has seen new studies throwing up interesting research in the field.

During a recent study, traces of heavy metal have been found in the samples of five mangrove species in the Bhitarkanika mangrove region of Orissa state, off the east coast of India in the deltaic region of Brahamani and Baitarani rivers. The study, conducted by researchers from Tamil Nadu-based Annamalai University, is the first to examine metal concentration in mangroves of Orissa's east coast.

The researchers analysed leaves of five species