Accumulation of lead in soil, water and plants due to automobile emission in Coimbatore suburbans.

摘要

Studies were conducted on the accumulation of lead in soil, water and plants due to automobile emission in suburban environments of Coimbatore City, Tamil Nadu, India. The soil samples collected along the road sides of Coimbatore suburban showed higher concentration of pH and EC with an unusual elevated level of lead (Pb). As high as 276 mg kg-1 of Pb was recorded from Tadagam Road II location that was near a marble-stones selling unit. Water samples of suburban also showed higher values of pH and EC. An EC of 3 dSm-1 was recorded at Tadagam Road IV location, which was a residential suburban drinking water sample. Increased concentrations of Pb have also been recorded in these samples. The samples also exceeded the maximum permissible levels of Pb in drinking water. Of the 10 plants from suburban areas, the desert-horse purslane, coral creeper and castor plants had accumulated higher levels of Pb (60-100 mg kg-1). It is concluded, in general, that the soil, water and plants of Coimbatore suburban are polluted by the lead emitted by automobiles on road.