Determination of Concentration of Heavy Metals in Fruits, Vegetables, Groundwater, and Soil Samples of the Cement Industry and Nearby Communities and Assessment of Associated Health Risks

Ghazala Yaqub,Umadia Irshad,Muhammad Zishan Ahmad,Arooj Khan,Muhammad Faisal Manzoor

doi:10.1155/2021/3354867

Ghazala Yaqub, Umadia Irshad + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/3354867

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Abstract

This study was conducted to estimate the heavy metal pollution in groundwater, soil, fruits, and vegetables within the cement industry and its vicinity. Seven different fruits and vegetables and seven heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Ni, Co, Cu, Cr, and Mn) were selected for analysis in soil, groundwater, fruit, and vegetable samples by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results of this study were compared with the National and International Standards of Pak NSWQD, WHO, and USEPA. The pH of soil and groundwater samples was within limits (WHO and Pak NSDWQ standards are 6.5–8.5). The concentration of Cr and Cu in groundwater samples was above the WHO and Pak NSDWQ standards (Cr = 0.05 ppm; Cu = 2 ppm). Vegetable samples were contaminated with metals except for Ni and Mn, whereas, in fruit samples, Mn and Cd were not present (WHO limit for Mn = 5 ppm). The mean concentration of Ni was high in fruits (WHO limit = 10 ppm), Zn was high in vegetables (WHO limit = 100 ppm), and Cu was high in soil and groundwater (WHO limit for soil = 36 ppm; for groundwater = 2 ppm). The results of daily intake of metals (DIM) for fruits, vegetables, and groundwater were compared with TDI by USEPA and PTDI of the WHO/FAO, and all were within the recommended limits. Calculated BAF for the selected environmental sample, that is, Indian Squash, lime fruit, and so on, was in order of Co > Cr > Cu and THQ; HRI was calculated to estimate the human health risk, and they were in a trend of Ni > Co > Cd > Cr and for HRI Co > Cr.

Highlights

In the industrialized world, construction material is the most important nonfuel material that flows worldwide, that is, cement
All the samples were colorless as within the physical appearance standards for drinking water of Pakistan NSDWQ and WHO drinking water quality guidelines. e groundwater pH values are shown in Figure 2. ese are found in the range between 6.5 and 8.5. e pH of cement industry water samples was 6.58 to 7.82, and the pH values for community water samples rages from 7.63 to 7.96
Cobalt was present in both soils. e concentration of cobalt varies from 1.1 ppm to 1.89 ppm. e pH value (Cement Industry) pH value (Nearby Area) concentration of chromium in community area soil was from 0.8 ppm to 1.35 ppm, and the same goes for the chromium levels in cement industry soil

Summary

Introduction

Construction material is the most important nonfuel material that flows worldwide, that is, cement. Portland cement is used extensively in concrete formation and as a binding agent in mortars [1]. Worldwide cement production is increasing from 1990 to 2050, and it is the second most demanded product in the world after water. E cement industry is one of the most important industries in Pakistan and it plays a significant role in the economic development of Pakistan. Pakistan’s cement industry is fulfilling the domestic demand of the country and exporting it to foreign countries as well. Most of the cement industries are located in the southern and northern regions as they are rich in clay, limestone, and other raw materials required for the production of cement [2]

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