Bioindicators and accumulators in geobotanical and biogeochemical prospecting of metals

Results of geobotanical and biogeochemical studies carried out on the known lead-zinc deposits of Zawar Mines and Khetri Copper Deposits, India, are discussed. A wild variety of Impatiens balsamina was found to be the most characteristic species on lead-zinc metal dumps, which can be regarded as a local 'bioindicator' for these metals. A number of 'accumulators' for lead, zinc, copper with high BAC values, as well as some 'excluders' are also discussed.