The International Journal of Biotechnology, 2013, 2(2):52-58 52 HEAVY METAL CONTENTS AND MICROBIAL FLORA OF FRESH LEAVES OF FLUTED PUMPKIN (TELFARIA OCCIDENTALIS) COLLECTED FROM ROAD-SIDE OPEN MARKETS IN BENIN METROPOLIS, MIDWESTERN NIGERIA Beckley Ikhajiagbe Dept. of Plant Biology and Biotechnology Ujomonigho E. Odigie Dept. of Plant Biology and Biotechnology Joy I. Oghogho Dept. of Science Laboratory Technology University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria Osazuwa Omoregbee Dept. of Science Laboratory Technology University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria ABSTRACT The present study investigated heavy metal contents and microbial flora of fresh leaves of fluted pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis) collected from road-side open markets in Benin Metropolis, Midwestern Nigeria. Seven roadside open stall markets were randomly selected in 4 Local Government Areas in Benin Metropolis, Southern Nigeria. Results of the present study showed varying bioaccumulated concentrations of heavy metals in the leaves. Cu in the leaves ranged from 12.0 – 15.5. This was however within the FAO/WHO limit. Hazard quotient for Fe in fresh leaves of fluted pumpkin ranged from 31.89 – 143.89 and 100.0 – 275.0 in Zn; an indication for heavy metal toxicity. Microbial flora of the leaves comprised of Vibro sp., Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Alcaligen faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas sp., Enterobacter aerogenes, Seratia sp., Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium solani. Keywords: Heavy metal, fluted pumpkin, Benin, Highway, vegetable. INTRODUCTION Vegetables are part of daily diets in many households forming an important source of vitamins and minerals required for human health. They are made up of chiefly cellulose, hemi – cellulose and pectin substances that give them their texture and firmness. It is a creeping vegetable that spread low across the ground with lobed and long twisting tendrils. Fluted pumpkin as it is commonly The International Journal of Biotechnology journal homepage: http://aessweb.com/journal-detail.php?id=5022