HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS DUE TO UNTREATED WASTEWATER IRRIGATED VEGETABLES

Abstract

The present research study was conducted on Health risk assessment of heavy metals due to untreated wastewater irrigated vegetables in Faisalabad city. Samples of soil, groundwater, wastewater and vegetables were collected from different regions of the city where wastewater irrigation was in practice. The ground water and wastewater samples were analyzed for all the basic physical and chemical parameters and heavy metals like (Nickel, Lead, Cadmium, Zinc, Copper and Chromium). Most of the chemical parameters where in access to standard limits of USEPA. It was found that the majority the heavy metal concentrations in soil are deteriorated because of wastewater. Analysis of heavy metals in Vegetables that their concentrations in vegetables were in the order of Zn>Ni>Cr>Cu>Pb>Cd. The concentration of heavy metals like (Zn, Ni, Cr and Cu) in vegetables were above the safe limit. While TF was lower for all metals except Cd. HRI was maximum for Pb and Ni in all vegetables. HQ was maximum for Ni, Pb and Cd. The vegetables tested were not safe for human use, especially those directly consumed by human beings

Keywords

• health risk assessment
• wastewater characteristics
• vegetables
• heavy metals.