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Heavy metals pollution is a major concern on a global scale. The present work evaluated the cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) concentrations in water, soil, forages (Avena sativa, Brassica campestris, Medicago sativa, Pennisetum glaucum and Trifolium alexandrinum), milk and hair samples of cows. The samples taken according to trophic levels of the food chain were collected from selected arid regions of Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan and analyzed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentrations of Cd and Cu were found in the range of 0.041-0.065 mg/L, 0.585-1.341 mg/L in water; 0.223-2.600 mg/kg, 11.550-15.853 mg/kg in soil; 0.0037-0.682 mg/kg, 3.0917-8.208 mg/kg in fodder; 0.0457-0.137 mg/kg, 0.0167-0.690 mg/L in milk and 0.043-0.112 mg/kg, 0.0427-0.497 mg/kg in hair, respectively. The Cd and Cu concentrations in water, soil, forage, milk and hair were safer compared to standard limits. Bioconcentration factor (BCF), Enrichment factor (EF), Daily Intake of Metal (DIM), and Health Risk Index (HRI) were found less than 1 in Cd and Cu whereas PLI<1 in Cd and PLI>1 in Cu that indicates copper pollution in soil. So, regular monitoring of heavy metals was required to appraise contamination levels in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, where wastewater irrigation has become a common practice, the accumulation of heavy metals by crops has been regarded as a severe environmental hazard. The evaluation of the toxic element lead (Pb) in water, agricultural soils and food crops, and their potential damage to human health, is the focus of the present study. Samples of eleven food crops, soil, with three treatments, waste, canal, and tube well waters, were collected from three feeding sites, Sargodha city, Sahiwal, Shahpur, and evaluated for Pb concentration. The results indicates that the range of Pb in the water, soil and crop samples were from 0.023 to 0.039 mg/L, 2.932–13.687 mg/kg and 1.241–4.825 mg/kg, respectively. The metal concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in wastewater treated soil and crop samples that exceed the permissible limit of the World Health Organization (WHO). There is a positive correlation between the Pb concentration in the soil and crop samples. The pollution load index and enrichment factor are greater than 1, indicating a high level of soil contamination and the influence of natural and anthropogenic sources of Pb metal accumulation in soils. The bioconcentration factor (BCF), daily intake of metal (DIM), health risk index (HRI) and metal values are less than 1, indicating that toxic Pb are present in lower quantities in food crops and had no health risks to consumers. In wastewater treated soils, there is a significant accumulation of Pb toxicity. Therefore, it is vitally important to address Pb contamination and its potential entrance route into the human food chain. • This study collected 27 water and 99 soil and food crop samples from 3 sites in Sargodha. • The relationships of lead (Pb) contents in irrigated water soil and crops were explored. • The pollution load index and enrichment factor were greater than 1, indicating a high level of soil contamination. • Pb toxicity accumulated in wastewater treated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of toxic heavy metals (THMs) in the soil-water-plant can negatively affects regional eco-safety and poses a threat to agricultural productivity, ecosystem, animals, humans and plants. Additionally, THMs can enter human bodies through the food chain, leading to an increased incidence of chronic diseases such as deformity and cancer. Leafy vegetables irrigated with untreated as well as contaminated waters were usually abounded with heavy metals in high concentrations. These contaminated leafy green vegetables although very popular here, may cause threats to human health, since these are usually grown in sub-urban areas, by irrigations of the untreated contaminated waters (canal water, groundwater and waste water carrying many city effluents). In this study, we analysed and measured the levels of hazardous metals (Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, Cu, Fe and Pb) found in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) at 3 different places of district Sargodha. Results revealed that the measured concentrations of Cd in water and spinach, and that of Pb in spinach were exceeding the standard permissible limits. High values of health quotient were found for Cr, Cd and Pb. The sequence of EC was recorded in ascending order as Pb > Cr > Cd > Ni > Zn > Cu >Fe in all the samples which were examined. The results of the study conclude, as the heavy metals are carcinogenic for human health, not only proper monitoring of soil and irrigation water should be made as well as such contaminated vegetables may be avoided. • Non-conventional water resources (NCW) are alternate option for agriculture, landscaping, and forestry. • Ground water, canal water and city effluents wastewater were evaluated for trace metals (HMs) impact on spinach. • Cd and Pb was higher in spinach after treatment with three wastewater. • High values of health quotient were found for Cr, Cd and Pb. • Water treatment technologies should be advocated and implemented for safe use of NCW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current effort was intended to cram the effect of sewage water on morphology and chemical symphony of cv. Dunkeld of canola (Brassica napus L.) in Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. The obtained information showed that there was an explicit effect of each metal on the growth and yield of the canola cultivar. Sewage water treatment had a significant effect on number of leaves and leaf area. The presence of heavy metals in the sewage water increased the plant growth and yield but up to a certain level, however, higher concentration of heavy metals reaching to toxic level, caused the reduction in plant growth and yield. When sewage water was diluted the toxicity became abridged. Ten levels of sewage water serial dilutions were used in present studies. Statistically completely randomize design with three replications for each experiment unit was implemented. At 50% sewage water dilution, plants got the reasonable quantity of micro and macro nutrient which resulted in increase in growth, yield and yield components. From the analysis of variance of data, Ca, Mg and Mn concentrations were affected substantially by the treatments in soil as well as in forage and showed consistence pattern of augment with increase in the treatment level of sewage water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]