PJB-2025-52
ASSESSING THE HEAVY METAL POLLUTION IN MAIZE CULTIVATED IN ROADSIDE AREAS OF SILLANWALI, PAKISTAN.
Mashal Maqsood
Abstract
Exposure to vehicular emissions and roadside contaminants has become a growing environmental concern, particularly for vegetation growing in proximity to major roadways, as these roadside pollutants are adversely affecting plant health, leading to significant alterations in growth, nutrient uptake, and overall physiological processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicological impacts and conduct a risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in Zea mays growing along roadsides in Sargodha, Pakistan. The study was conducted in Tehsil Sillanwali of Sargodha, Pakistan, focusing on two distinct sites: roadside areas exposed to vehicular emissions and control sites situated away from road traffic. Fodder samples of Zea mays (Maize) along with their replicates were collected. Samples of soil, water, and milk were also collected from these sites. After sampling, the collected samples were dried and subsequently subjected to digestion in the laboratory. The digested samples were then transferred into bottles for further evaluation. Heavy metals, including zinc, copper, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, iron, lead, and cadmium, were analyzed. Various indices were established for the analysis of metal concentrations. According to the results, nearly all values of heavy metals and indices were within permissible limits; however, the concentrations observed at the roadside sites were significantly higher than those at the control locations. This indicates a clear impact of roadside pollution on the metal uptake in the fodder crops. The study underscores the significant impact of roadside pollution on the metal concentrations in fodder crops, highlighting a future need for effective management strategies to address this environmental challenge.
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