ACCRETION AND DISPERSION OF HEAVY METALS IN A VEGETABLE GROWN IN CONTAMINATED SOIL WITH SEWAGE WATER: A MATTER OF GREAT CONCERN AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CONSEQUENCES

摘要

Coriander is an important leafy vegetable widely used in Pakistan for flavoring purpose. Due to scarcity of clean water, the coriander fields are irrigated with waste-water. The present study revealed the accumulation of different metals in coriander irrigated with wastewater in big cities such as Sargo-dha, Pakistan. The bioavailability of heavy metal from soil to plant was evaluated. Seven heavy metals were determined by using Atomic absorption spectrometer. The findings showed high level of arsenic as well as Pb, Cd, and Ni in coriander irrigated with waste-water. Regular monitoring of the contaminated area is recommended in order to reduce the health hazard.