Levels Of Heavy Metal Contamination Research Articles

Heavy metal contamination in soils of industrial estates of Tamil Nadu, India and source identification by magnetic susceptibility.

An increase in erratic industrial activity has been a major contributing factor to the significant contamination in environmental matrices. This study aimed to ascertain the level of heavy metal contamination in soils in major industrial estates of Tamil Nadu as well as the threats to human health and the environment that concomitant with it. This led to the use of the total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy technique to analyse 31 soil samples. Thus, the mean heavy metal concentrations were found to be in the ascending order: As < Ni < Pb < V < Cu < Zn < Cl < Mn < Sr < Cr < Al < Fe. Pb, Cr, Cu, As, and Zn have been identified as predominantcontaminants in the study area using the conventional pollution indices such as geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and enrichment factor (EF). The magnetic susceptibility measurements indicates that the percentage of frequency dependence of magnetic susceptibility of the studied soil samples varied from 0.88 to 11.15 and that represents the presence of admixture ofsuperparamagnetic (SP) particles in the soil samples. From the results of multivariate statistical analyses, the sources ofidentified heavy metals were classified as anthropogenic sources(Cr, Cu, Pb, As, and Zn),natural sources(V, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Sr ),and intermediate sources (Al and Cl).

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in groundwater and its implications for dental and public health

Groundwater contamination with heavy metals is a critical environmental issue, especially in regions heavily reliant on groundwater for drinking purpose. These metals can seep into groundwater from soil and rock weathering or through improper disposal of industrial waste and effluents. Access to safe drinking water is essential for maintaining public health. This study aimed to assess heavy metal contamination in groundwater and its implications for dental and public health. The objective of the study was to measure the concentration of the heavy metals in the dentine of extracted tooth of the study population. The study concurrently measured heavy metal concentrations in groundwater and tooth dentine samples, analyzing demographic profiles, heavy metal correlations, and underlying structures using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The average level of heavy metals in the groundwater samples varied from 9.763 ± 3.362 μg/L for Cd to 3426.204 ± 875.264 μg/L for Fe. The mean concentrations (μg/g) in teeth dentine showed significant variations, with iron (Fe) ranging from 0.149 ± 0.03 μg/g in water purifiers to 4.62 ± 0.578 μg/g in local water sources. Similar variations were observed for other heavy metals across different water sources. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed seven principal components, with the first two components explaining 96.1% of the total variance. The findings revealed varied concentrations of heavy metals across all water sources. Statistical analyses underscored the complex relationship between water sources and heavy metal contamination levels, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve water quality and mitigate health risks. The study highlights the urgent need for monitoring and mitigation efforts to ensure safe drinking water and mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal contamination.

Accumulation of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Ni, Co) in the water, soil, and plants collected from Edayar Region, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

The accumulation of heavy metals in the environment is a significant concern due to their potential toxicity and persistence. This study investigates the levels of heavy metal contamination in the water, soil, and plants of the Edayar region in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. The region has experienced industrialization and urbanization, leading to concerns about heavy metal pollution. The study aims to assess the concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co) in water, soil, aquatic and terrestrial plants. Samples were collected from various locations within the Edayar region, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was conducted to quantify heavy metal concentrations. The findings of this study will contribute to the assessment of heavy metal pollution in the Edayar region. Plants with a high diversity index were taken for analysis from both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Scoparia dulcis L. seems to specialize in metal accumulation, possibly for protective purposes. Synedrella nodiflora Gaertn demonstrates adaptability to metal-rich environments through robust metal uptake and tolerance mechanisms. Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb, on the other hand, appears to have developed mechanisms to manage heavy metal exposure. The results indicate significant levels of heavy metal contamination across all samples, with the highest concentrations detected in soil, followed by water and plants. Chromium and lead levels in soil exceeded the permissible limits set by international standards, posing potential risks to human health and the ecosystem. The accumulation patterns in plants varied, with higher bioaccumulation factors observed for zinc and copper, suggesting their preferential uptake. This study highlights the urgent need for remediation strategies and continuous monitoring to mitigate the impact of heavy metal pollution in the Edayar region. The results will help in understanding the environmental impact of human activities.

Evaluating monsoon season heavy metal contamination in groundwater of Uttar Dinajpur District using pollution indices and Principal Component analysis

Heavy metal contamination in groundwater poses significant environmental and public health challenges globally. This study investigates the presence and distribution of heavy metal contamination in groundwater within Uttar Dinajpur District, India, focusing on zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb). Groundwater samples were collected and analysed for heavy metal concentrations, and statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, histograms, box plots, Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) analysis, Metal Index (MI) analysis, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were conducted to assess contamination levels, spatial distribution, and potential sources. Results indicate varying levels of heavy metal contamination across the district, with manganese, iron, and lead frequently exceeding permissible limits, posing potential health risks. The PCA revealed common sources and relationships among heavy metals, aiding in understanding contamination patterns. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and targeted interventions to manage heavy metal contamination in groundwater, emphasizing the need for further research to develop effective mitigation strategies.

Comparative assessment of phytoremediation potential of four Ficus spp. under Semi-arid environmental conditions.

Heavy metals have been recognized as a prominent hazard in today's world, causing pollution in the air environment. Woody tree species can play a significant role in the extraction and remediation of metal pollutants from the air, therefore promoting the air quality index. This study investigated the potential of four species of the Ficus genus (F. benjamina, F. microcarpa, F. religiosa, and F. virens) to remediate varying levels of heavy metal contamination in industrial, residential, and highway areas of Faisalabad City, Pakistan. For this purpose, six heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, zinc, and manganese) were assessed in young leaves (YL) as well as old leaves (OL) of subjected tree species at selected study sites. Eight fully expanded leaves were selected from each tree species: two from each cardinal direction from the shoot of the current year (young leaves, YL), as well as from the shoot of the previous year (old leaves, OL). The results showed that the same genus has different capabilities to accumulate different heavy metals, and the overall trend was in the following order: F. virens > F. religiosa > F. benjamina > F. microcarpa at all study sites. The heavy metal contents in both YL and OL of selected tree species decreased in the order of Manganese (Mn)> Zinc (Zn)> Copper (Cu) > Chromium (Cr) > Lead (Pb) > Cadmium (Cd) at all study sites. The metal accumulation index (MAI) values ranged between 2.14-5.42 for F. benjamina, 2.09-3.89 for F. microcarpa, 3.61-7.01 for F. religiosa and 4.77-6.48 for F. virens across all study sites. Among the studied tree species, it has been determined that F. virens and F. religiosa are well-suited for urban areas with significant heavy metal contamination and can be strategically planted in barrier areas to effectively combat atmospheric pollution.

Assessment of the Heavy Metal Contaminations of Roadside Soil in Aizawl, Mizoram (India): An In-Depth Analysis Utilising Advanced Scientific Methodologies

The study was conducted to evaluate the heavy metal contamination levels in the roadside soil of Aizawl, Mizoram (India). Twelve sites were sampled monthly from August 2020 to July 2021, and concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentrations of heavy metals at the twelve studied sites varied widely from 0.43-1.06, 20.54-21.21, 2.69-3.41, 0.25-0.54, 0.31-0.49 and 1.35-1.77 for Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn respectively. Pollution assessment tools such as the pollution load index, geo-accumulation index, and enrichment factor indicated moderate pollution levels. The study also observed fluctuations in the contamination levels due to the monsoon rainfall and the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Principal component analysis identified vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and atmospheric deposition as the potential sources of heavy metal contamination, with varying patterns observed at each site. While the observed heavy metal concentrations generally met permissible limits, the elevated levels suggested anthropogenic influences. It is crucial to continuously monitor and manage heavy metal contamination to mitigate potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure.

Zeolite functionalized with macroalgae as novel material for Fe and Mn removal from real acid mine drainage

The treatment of heavy metals such as Fe and manganese Mn remains a critical global issue, necessitating solutions that are not only effective and efficient but also cost- effective and easy to implement. Adsorption has been identified as one of the most efficient techniques for removing heavy metals. This study investigates adsorption method applied to real AMD, characterized by high levels of heavy metal contamination and low pH. Key parameters analyzed include adsorption performance, isotherm and kinetic models, thermodynamic properties, and adsorption characteristics. The adsorbent used was zeolite functionalized with carboxyl, hydroxyl, and sulfate groups derived from macroalgae. Material characterization was conducted using SEM, XRD, and FTIR. The results indicate that zeolite functionalized with carboxyl, hydroxyl, and sulfate groups from macroalgae effectively reduced Fe and Mn concentrations by up to 99 % within just five minutes. Furthermore, the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model.

Heavy Metal Contamination of Surface Sediments-Soil Adjoining the Largest Copper Mine Waste Dump in Central India Using Multivariate Pattern Recognition Techniques and Geo-Statistical Mapping

This detailed study assessed heavy metal contamination of sediments/soil near central India’s largest copper mining area using 38 sampling sites within 10 km of the mine using atomic absorption spectroscopy. This study utilized multivariate pattern recognition methods, namely hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), for source identification. Twelve parameters, i.e., copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil pH, distance (D), and elevation (E) were analyzed. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to analyze the sample sites with similar metal contamination and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the relationship between the parameters as well as to identify sources of heavy metal pollution. Three major pollution hotspots were detected by AHC and were classified as unpolluted/low pollution sites (UPS: mean concentration factor of 1.35 for Cu), highly polluted sites (HPS: mean concentration factor of 22 for Cu), and extremely polluted sites (EPS: mean concentration factor of 74 for Cu). PCA revealed three hidden factors/components, namely PC1 (explaining 38% of the variability), PC2 (18% of the variability), and PC3 (14% of the variability). Metals showed strong positive loading in PC1, explaining the highest variability. The mean content of Cu in soil/sediment samples was 502.526 mg/kg. The mean copper content was 10 times higher than the natural crustal value of 45mg/kg, indicating severe pollution in several sites around the study area. Mapping of copper contamination was conducted to reveal the spatial distribution of copper contamination using QGIS. This study exposes the heavy metal contamination level in surface sediments/soil and the effectiveness of pattern recognition techniques for the assessment of multivariate datasets in discerning spatial disparities and identifying the contamination causes.

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Water and Wastewater

The primary focus of the study is to assess the presence and concentration of heavy metals in the water and evaluate its suitability for drinking purposes. Given that a significant portion of the local population depends on groundwater for their daily needs, the study is critical in understanding the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated water. The study begins with a comprehensive survey to gauge the extent of water usage among the local population and their perceptions of water quality. Results from the survey reveal that nearly half of the households in the region are not connected to a formal drinking water network, relying instead on wells and springs. While the majority of respondents perceive the water quality as good, the analytical findings suggest otherwise. Groundwater samples were collected from twelve wells and three springs across the region. These samples were subjected to rigorous analysis using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) to detect the concentration of various heavy metals, including aluminum, silver, iron, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, cobalt, zinc, lead, and copper. The results indicate that many of these metals are present in concentrations that exceed the World Health Organization's recommended limits for safe drinking water. Iron, in particular, was found at high levels in all sampled locations, raising significant concerns. The study also employs the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) to provide a more comprehensive assessment of water quality. The HPI values calculated for the sampled water sources reveal that a majority of the wells and all of the springs have levels of heavy metal contamination that render the water non-potable. This finding is particularly alarming given the region's dependence on water, especially during periods of drought when alternative water sources are scarce.

Soil pollution identification and human health risk assessment of soil heavy metals in an abandoned mine area in the Republic of Korea

ABSTRACT In this study, the Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Human Health Risk Assessment (HRA), and Ecological Risk Index (ERI) were utilized to examine the risks associated with the soils at the DaeyangYeongseong mine. Brassica juncea and Raphanus sativus were employed in the ecological toxicity test. In all soil samples, the mean Igeo value of arsenic measured 3.15, and cadmium measured 6.63, indicating a very high level of heavy metal contamination. The carcinogenic risk of cadmium and arsenic for adults was 4.30×10−3 and 1.43×10−5, respectively. For children, these values were 3.92 × 10−2 and 1.33 ×10−4, exceeding the acceptable level (1×10−6). In all soils, cadmium showed extremely high ecological risk levels, and arsenic had extremely high risk levels in 34.8% of the total area. This was also confirmed in toxicity assessments using plants. Therefore, arsenic and cadmium were found to be the main causes of soil contamination and ecological risk.

Improper toy waste handling can harm human health via seafood consumption: A comprehensive health risk assessment of heavy metals

Toy production has been increasing over the last few decades to meet the growing demands for toys across the globe, which has inevitably worsened the problem of toy waste. Given the lack of modern waste disposal facilities, rural villagers in many developing countries often discard and incinerate toy waste in backyards or riverbanks, which may release the pollutants from toys (e.g., heavy metals), contaminate the surrounding areas, and eventually threaten the health of residents. As such, this study examined the impact of improper toy waste handling on the nearby aquaculture site by measuring the contamination level of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in the sediment and seafood (crabs, shrimps, and fish). The health risk of heavy metals via seafood consumption was assessed in different groups of people (males, females, teenagers, and seniors). Results showed that the sediment and seafood at the aquaculture site were generally not contaminated with heavy metals (contamination factor and bioaccumulation factor <1). However, consuming the seafood cultured at this site, especially for crabs, could pose a health risk to humans due to As and Cd (hazard quotient > 1), irrespective of their age and gender. This risk could not be lowered by cooking, except As by boiling. Overall, we revealed that improper toy waste handling did not cause severe heavy metal pollution in the surrounding environment, but the consumption of contaminated seafood could still threaten human health. To safeguard public health, we propose that toy waste should be appropriately treated by the authorities concerned. In addition, consuming seafood with long culture periods (e.g., crabs) should be reduced to minimize the dietary intake of heavy metals and their associated health risk.

Heavy metal's pollution health risk assessment and source appraisal of groundwater and surface water in Irob catchment, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Contamination of water resources by heavy metals causes health problems for humans. This study attempts to investigate the heavy metal contamination levels, health risks and sources of appraisal of groundwater and surface water in the mountain-bounded catchment and low-grade basement rock-dominated area of ​​the Irob, Tigray. Eighteen grab water samples (13 borehole water, 2 spring water and 3 surface water) were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and heavy metals using standard procedures. The findings were contrasted with those of the standards set by the World Health Organization and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Integrated techniques, including indexed and statistical methods, were used to determine the contamination levels of metals, risks to human health and sources. The result shows that the pH value, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids fluctuated between 7.4 and 7.9, 516 and 2410 µs/cm and 396.7 mg/l and 1719 mg/l, respectively. The findings indicate that 94.4% of the water samples had levels of contamination above the critical limit for all three indices: the heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), the degree of contamination (cd) and the heavy metal pollution index. The hazard index of metals for adults and children was greater than 1. 88.9% of the water samples showed a cancer risk value above the recommended value (CR > 1 × 10–4) for Cd and Cr for both adults and children. Multivariate statistical analyses indicate that weathering of bedrocks and partly anthropogenic influences are responsible for the metal contamination. The study concludes that some water samples sources are unfit for human consumption that can pose health risks over time. Therefore, it is recommended to treat contaminated water sources to protect and sustain public health.

Determination of Heavy Metals in Some Selected Flavour Drinks in Nigeria

The level of heavy metals contamination in flavor drinks has not been investigated in Nigeria. This research was aimed at arsenic at the level of heavy metals contamination in five (5) different powdered flavor drinks commonly sold in Nigerian local markets using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) after acid digestion (HNO3, H2SO4 &amp;HCLO4) in the ratio 1:1:1. The results showed the presence of heavy metals that are considered toxic such cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, and arsenic at concentrations range between 0.040-0.199, 0.075-0.260, 0.132-0.487, 0.091-0.1324 and 0.221-1.185 mg/L respectively and were found to be above the maximum contaminant level sets by USEPA (2011). Other heavy metals such as chromium, cobalt, copper, selenium, manganese, and iron that are considered essential and less toxic were also determined using this method.

Soil quality and heavy metal contamination in an open dumpsite in Navrongo, Ghana.

The increasing proximity of the Dudumbia dumpsite, an open dumpsite in Navrongo, Ghana, to human settlements necessitates an investigation of the soil quality to safeguard the environment from heavy metal toxicity. This study examined the impact of waste dumping activities on the physicochemical properties of the soil, as well as the level of heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, As, Hg, Cu, Mn, and Zn) contamination and associated risks. Various contamination and risk assessment tools were used, including the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk (Er), and potential ecological risk index (PERI). The study found significant improvements in notable soil attributes such as phosphorus (P), organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and effective cation exchange capacity, with percentage increases ranging from 50.8 to 2078.3%. Igeo values ranged from 2.07 to 6.20, indicating contamination levels from moderate to extreme. The PLI and PERI values were 16.241 and 1810, respectively. The Er values for the heavy metals ranged from 36 to 607, indicating ecological risk levels from low to very high, with Cd and Hg posing very high risks. These results suggest that while the dumpsite soil shows improvements in some characteristics favourable for plant cultivation, waste dumping significantly contributes to heavy metal contamination. The soil at the dumpsite is deteriorated and poses significant health risks, particularly due to Cd and Hg. Therefore, remediation efforts should prioritise mitigating the risks posed by Cd and Hg.

Current state, sources, and potential risk of heavy metals in sediments of typical inner lakes in the Dongting Lake Area

The region has been increasingly experiencing environmental issues related to heavy metals (HMs) due to human activities. However, the contamination levels of HMs (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in various inner lakes in the Dongting Lake area remain unclear. In this study, surface sediment samples from 9 inner lakes and sediment core samples from 3 typical inner lakes were collected to evaluate the spatial distribution, contamination status, environmental and ecological risks, and possible sources of these HMs. The results showed that all HMs, except Zn, exceeded background values, with particularly high levels observed in aquaculture lakes compared to other lakes. Vertical profiles of HMs from 3 lakes show that the various types of lakes in the study area have different pollution histories. Additionally, results from Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), Contamination factor (CF), Geo-accumulation index method (Igeo), and Hakanson potential ecological risk index (PERI) indicated that As, Cd, and Pb are the primary pollutants. The multivariate analysis concluded that Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb had anthropogenic sources, primarily from agricultural, fisheries, industrial, and transportation activities, while Cr was influenced by natural factors. The results of this study enhance our understanding of sedimentary metal content in inner lakes and emphasize the importance of controlling HMs content in these lakes. This information is crucial for developing effective lake management and pollution control strategies.

Advanced approach combines integrated weight water quality index and potential toxic elements for environmental and health risk assessment supported by simulation technique in Oued Souf, Algeria

The current research study evaluated the health and environmental risks issues associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the complex terminal aquifer located in the Algerian desert. The methods used included principal component and cluster (dendrogram) analysis to estimate source of ions and contamination. Various indices such as the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Metal Index, hazard quotient, hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) were applied to assess both environmental and human health risks. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo method was applied for probabilistic assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks through oral and dermal exposure routes in both adults and children. The results revealed that approximately 16% of the samples fell within the low pollution category (HPI < 100), indicating relatively lower levels of heavy metal contamination. However, the remaining 84% of the samples exhibited high pollution levels, indicating a significant presence of heavy metal pollutants in the northeastern part of the investigated area. The calculated average risk index (RI) for the collected samples was 18.99, with a range from 0.03 to 103.21. This indicates that a large portion, 82% of the samples, could cause low ecological risk (RI < 30), whereas the remaining 18% indicate a significant environmental pollution risk. The HI for oral ingestion showed that adults had HI values ranging from 0.231 to 1.54, while children exhibited higher values, ranging from 0.884 to 5.9 (Fig. 5a). For dermal exposure, HI values in adults ranged from 2.71E−07 to 8.74E−06 and in children, from 2.18E−06 to 7.03E−05. These findings highlight the potential non-carcinogenic risks associated with oral exposure to PTEs and underscore the increased vulnerability of children to metals such as Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cr. Most samples showed CR exceeding 1 × 10−4 for chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb), indicating a significant vulnerability to carcinogenic effects in both children and adults.

Potential Combination of Phytoremediation Plants and Compost in Remediation of Hg in Ex-Gold Mine Soil Contaminated Mercury (Hg)

Heavy metal mercury pollution in the environment can have negative impacts on both surrounding ecosystems and human health. Sources of mercury pollution often come from mining activities, particularly from many unlicensed gold mines (PETI) that use the mercury amalgamation method to extract gold. Due to the persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic nature of mercury, contamination in the soil has increased. One effort to reduce mercury toxicity is the application of absorption methods using phytoremediation plants and compost as regulating factors. The aim of this study is to review sources of information related to the use of phytoremediation plants and the application of compost as remediators to clean mercury (Hg)-contaminated soil. To reduce levels of heavy metal contamination, plants employ five phytoremediation mechanisms: phytoextraction, phytostabilization, rhizofiltration, phyto degradation, and phytovolatilization. Therefore, selecting hyperaccumulator plants that have the ability to accumulate mercury (Hg) at levels 100 times higher than ordinary plants is crucial for effective remediation. Additionally, the use of compost as a source of organic material can enhance mercury mobility. The addition of organic materials such as compost can increase C organic content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, and Hg-chelate formation, thereby maximizing mercury absorption by plants. This combination has a positive impact on reducing mercury levels in the soil and is environmentally safe.

A comprehensive study of source apportionment, spatial distribution, and health risks assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in the surface soils of a semi-arid mining region in Matehuala, Mexico

BackgroundThis study investigates the contamination level, spatial distribution, pollution sources, potential ecological risks, and human health risks associated with heavy metal(loid)s (i.e., arsenic (As), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in surface soils within the mining region of Matehuala, located in central Mexico. ObjectivesThe primary objectives are to estimate the contamination level of heavy metal(loid)s, identify pollution sources, assess potential ecological risks, and evaluate human health risks associated with heavy metal(loid) contamination. MethodsSoil samples from the study area were analysed using various indices including Igeo, Cf, PLI, mCd, EF, and PERI to evaluate contamination levels. Source apportionment of heavy metal(loid)s was conducted using the APCS-MLR and PMF receptor models. Spatial distribution patterns were determined using the most efficient interpolation technique among five different approaches. The total carcinogenic risk index (TCR) and total non-carcinogenic index (THI) were used in this study to assess the potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards posed by heavy metal(loid)s in surface soil to human health. ResultsThe study reveals a high contamination level of heavy metal(loid)s in the surface soil, posing considerable ecological risks. As was identified as a priority metal for regulatory control measures. Mining and smelting activities were identified as the primary factors influencing heavy metal(loid) distributions. Based on spatial distribution mapping, concentrations were higher in the northern, western, and central regions of the study area. As and Fe were found to pose considerable and moderate ecological risks, respectively. Health risk evaluation indicated significant levels of carcinogenic risks for both adults and children, with higher risks for children. ConclusionThis study highlights the urgent need for monitoring heavy metal(loid) contamination in Matehuala's soils, particularly in regions experiencing strong economic growth, to mitigate potential human health and ecological risks associated with heavy metal(loid) pollution.

THE POTENTIAL OF Catharanthus Roseus AS A PHYTOREMEDIATION AGENT FOR HEAVY METAL REMOVAL IN CONTAMINATED SOIL

Heavy metals from human activities, such as industrial emissions and mining waste, contribute to environmental, nutritional, and health issues. Catharanthus roseus, a phytoremediation plant, was tested to determine the levels of heavy metals in soil and plants. The experiment involved preparing various amounts of heavy metals by combining four elements: Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn). Four treatment groups were tested, each with varying levels of heavy metal contamination. The initial group (T0) served as the positive control, while the next four groups (T1-T4) were subjected to escalating levels of heavy metals. T1 was given a 200ml solution containing 0.9 (Cd) + 4.0 (Cu) + 0.18 (Pb) + 6.9 (Zn). T2 was given a 200ml solution containing 11.90 (Cd) +19.80 (Cu) +36.00 (Pb) + 54.3 (Zn). T3 was given a 200ml solution containing 23.80 (Cd) + 39.60 (Cu) + 72.00 (Pb) + 108.6 (Zn). T4 was given a 200ml solution containing of 23.80 (Cd) + 39.60 (Cu) + 72.00 (Pb) + 108.6 (Zn). The dataset included measurements of soil pH, heavy metal concentrations, plant height, and shoot and root length. The results showed that the T3 solution, consisting of 23.80 (Cd) + 39.60 (Cu) + 72.00 (Pb) + 108.6 (Zn), had the most favourable plant growth performance based on soil and plant concentrations. This suggests that immediate action is needed to ensure safe food availability.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Potential Health Risk of Selected Fish Species in Dhaka District

Fish is a rich source of quality protein and fatty acids. Bangladesh's average daily fish consumption is 67.8 grams per people. Fish species are also prone to heavy metal contamination from their surrounding environment. The main objective of this research was to assess the degree of risk associated with the consumption of various fish species in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Three fish species—Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), Shorputi (Systomus sarana), and Mola (Amblypharyngodon mola)—from three local markets in Savar Union, Dhaka, Bangladesh, were selected for analysis. The Kjeldahl technique, Folch method, and several formulae were used to determine the protein, fat, ash, and moisture content for the proximate analysis. The concentration of heavy metals was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) were used to evaluate the danger to human health. Tilapia had the highest moisture and lipid content, whereas Shorputi and Mola had the highest protein and ash contents, ranging from 20.77% to 18.16%, respectively. The mean concentration of heavy metals in fish was determined to be Pb&gt;Ni&gt;Cr&gt;Cd in this study. Every fish species had extremely high levels of lead (Pb), with the Shorputi fish having the highest levels. Fish from the Shorputi species had the highest EDI value. Pb&gt;Ni&gt;Cr&gt;Cd was the trace element EDI for adults. Among all species, only Pd had a THQ value higher than 1. The CR value across all species were within E-3 and E-6 range, while the HI value was &gt;1. In conclusion, the highest average Pb concentrations were detected in Shorputi, while the highest amounts of Cd, Cr, and Ni were observed in Tilapia. The findings of this study recommended that the Bangladeshi government regularly assess the levels of dangerous heavy metal and metalloid contamination in the daily meals of its citizens in order to enforce regulatory limits and determine the likelihood of long-term exposure. Bioresearch Commu. 10(2): 1524-1531, 2024 (July)