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Present study sketched to quantify heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As) in sediment samples (Dry and Rainy season) of an industrially affected river namely Shitalakshya by Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. Different geochemical indices and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to define the accumulation, source and level of metal pollution in the sediment samples and probabilistic health risk implications due to dermal contact of sediment was also evaluated. Study revealed mean heavy metal (HM) concentrations in a sequence of Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > As > Cd for both the seasons and almost all the elements were found within the suggestive standard value by various agencies with an exception of Cd and As. Enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) indicated a high level of contamination by HM and a moderate level of Ecological risk was assessed for both the season. Hazard Index (HI), known as non-carcinogenic health risk for all the elements studied found bellow 1, indicating no harm for health and total carcinogenic risk also revealed the safe range. Results of multivariate statistical analysis indicates, the possible sources are mostly anthropogenic which may be owing to discharge of untreated wastes from various industries, metal and waste dumping sites, oil and refinery industries, glass and ceramic industries as they are located closely to the sampling sites of the Shitalakshya river.

The present study deals with the Evaluation of Blood lead (Pb) level as a risk factor in Autistic Children and to determine the association between blood lead level (BLL) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It was a casecontrol study. Blood samples were collected from both case (25 of 3-16 years) and control (25 of 3-16 years) groups by vein puncture for the determination of blood lead levels using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. Predesigned questionnaires were completed for each case and control group by interviewing the parents or care-givers. The present study revealed that there was a significant difference between mean ages of mother at child’s birth in both case and control group. Significantly more children in case group had parents with higher educational levels and came from families with higher socioeconomic status. Significantly more children in ASD group came from urban areas than rural area. The risk of exposure to air pollution in case group was 14 times more than the control group which is represented by the proximity of child’s residence to high traffic roads. History of pica was exclusively present in case group (p value 0.001) indicating that children in ASD group had more exposure to lead than those of control group. The mean blood levels were 44.18 and 29.22 μg/dl for case and control group respectively. In case group 48% of the children had blood lead level ≥ 10 μg/dl compared to 24% in the control group.