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This study's aim was to investigate iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentration in the soil, forage crops, and sheep blood with respect to the seasonal availability of these metals. Soil, forage, and sheep blood samples were sampled from five different locations in Chakwal (Pidh, Tobar, Ratoccha, Choa Saiden Shah-Kalar Kahar road, and Choa Saiden Shan-Chakwal Road) during two seasons, i.e., winter and summer. All the samples were processed through wet acid digestion for evaluation of metal contents. Because of proximity of site-1 and site-2 to coal mines, higher Fe concentration was observed than Zn. Overall, varied Fe concentrations obtained in soil were 12.95–24.31 mg/kg, 1.29–9.61 mg/kg in forage and 1.17–24 mg/l in blood, whereas Zn values were 1.04–31.9 mg/kg, 1.96–7.02 mg/kg, and 0.16–6.52 mg/l for soil, forages, and blood respectively. The pollution load index value for both Fe (0.01–0.14 mg/kg) and Zn (0.02–0.72 mg/kg) was lesser than 1. Bio-concentration (0.09–2.64mg/kg) and enrichment factor (0.08–7.51 mg/kg) were showing efficient transfer of metals through the food chain. Daily intake and health risk index values of iron were ranged from 0.01 to 1.1 mg/kg/day and 0.02 to 1.05 mg/kg/day. There was a probable chance of upsurge in metal values in coming years due to continued mining activities. Anthropogenic input, mainly mining activities in the study area, have increased the Fe and Zn content in the environment which can ultimately find their way up the food chain, thereby risking the health of grazing livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coriander is an important leafy vegetable widely used in Pakistan for flavoring purpose. Due to scarcity of clean water, the coriander fields are irrigated with waste-water. The present study revealed the accumulation of different metals in coriander irrigated with wastewater in big cities such as Sargodha, Pakistan. The bioavailability of heavy metal from soil to plant was evaluated. Seven heavy metals were determined by using Atomic absorption spectrometer. The findings showed high level of arsenic as well as Pb, Cd, and Ni in coriander irrigated with waste-water. Regular monitoring of the contaminated area is recommended in order to reduce the health hazard. [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]