Elemental concentration in particulate matter deposited on sugarcane leaves along an industrial area of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Particulate Matter (PM) is widely recognized as one of the most severe threats to human health and environment. In the present study, the trace elemental analysis of particulate matter deposited on sugarcane leaves was carried out during the summer and winter season in 2014. Six sampling sites were selected including one control site in the Bhagwanpur industrial area in Uttarakhand. A total of 11 elements (Zn, Pb, Mn, Fe, Mg, Cr, Ni, Ca, Cu, Co, and Cd) were analyzed using ICP-OES (Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy). The elemental concentration in the PM deposited on the leaf surface was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in the affected sites in comparison to control site. The high concentration of metals like lead, Chromium, Zinc, Cobalt, Nickel, Manganese in the PM/dust, characterize the air quality in the sites which are near to the industrial area. Ca was found to be in a maximum concentration in the particulate load which was followed by Fe, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Co, Cd. The metal loadings in PM suggest that there is the high atmospheric deposition due to various industries and vehicular activity. The main variation in the heavy metals in the sites was due to various industries (Cement, textile, Brick kiln, Rubber, battery recycling factory) and vehicular activity. The mean concentrations of Cd and Cr in the sugarcane leaves were below the tolerance limit as per the Indian and WHO standards. Moreover, metals such as Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni, and Pb surpassed these limits.