Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Distribution and Contamination of Vegetables Irrigated with Storm Water in the Vicinity of Chandigarh, India

Abstract

Bioaccumulation of heavy metal in vegetables resulting from the storm water irrigation and subsequently to the food chain is a cause of serious concern due to potential human health risk. This study was conducted to analyze the metal content of some vegetables and their toxicological implication. Samples of the irrigation water and edible portion of all the vegetables both irrigated with the sewage contaminated water and ground water (reference site) were collected and analyzed for heavy metals (As, Pb, Ni, Cd, Cr, Zn and Co). The results indicate that heavy metal concentrations were several fold higher in all the collected samples from wastewater irrigated site compared to the clean water irrigated ones. Statistical analyses of storm water samples for heavy metals followed the trend of Ni>Mn>Cd .Analysis of the vegetables collected at polluted sites showed that for Ni 57.1%, for Cd 35.7% and for Cr 28.5% of samples, concentration exceeded PFA (1954) limits. The study suggests that storm water irrigation led to accumulation of heavy metals in vegetables causing potential health risk to the consumers.

Keywords: Storm water, Heavy metals, Sewage, Vegetables, PFA