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ACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS BY LETTUCE (LACTUCA SATIVA L.)
IRRIGATED WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF WASTEWATER OF QUETTA CITY
ABDUL KABIR KHAN ACHAKZAI, ZAHOOR AHMED BAZAI AND SAFDAR ALI KAYANI
Abstract:
Heavy metal contamination of soils resulting from irrigation by
wastewater is causing major concern due to the potential health risk
involved. This study was therefore designed to investigate the heavy
metal ions viz., Cu2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Zn2+,
Pb2+, Ni2+ and Cd2+ concentrations by
lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in pots. This leafy vegetable
was irrigated with 5 different concentrations of wastewater collected
from 3 different localities viz., Chiltan town, Chiltan Ghee Mill (oil
industry) and Zarghoon town of Quetta city. Tap water was used as
background water. Plant samples were analyzed for their heavy metal
contents using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Results showed that
localities, treatments and their interactions (except Cu2+&
Pb2+) generally exhibited highly significant (P≤0.01)
influence on the accumulation of heavy metals. The maximum values of
9.71; 509.06; 32.47; 94.38; 8.58; 5.05 and 7.45 mg kg-1 for
Cu2+, total Fe2+, Mn2+, Zn2+,
Ni2+,Pb2+, and Cd2+ respectively, were
generally obtained in highest concentration of effluents. While maximum
values of 9.02; 4.47 and 7.90 mg kg-1 of Cu2+, Ni2+
and Cd2+ were obtained for Chiltan ghee mill effluents.
However, maximum values i.e., 435.96 and 80.47 mg kg-1 of
total Fe and Zn2+ were recorded for Chiltan town. The highest
values of 30.09 and 6.32 mg kg-1 for Mn2+ and Pb2+
were noted in Zarghoon town, respectively. On the basis of grand mean
values,the magnitude of heavy metals detected for various metals is in
order: Fe > Zn >Mn> Cu >Pb> Cd > Ni. Results further demonstrated that
the total concentrations of Cu2+, Fe2+, Mn2+,
Zn2+ and Ni2+ are within the recommended
international standards set by WHO/FAO, but could be reached to toxic
level either by the consecutive use of effluents or by increased dietary
pattern of the consumers. Whereas, the amount of Pb2+ and Cd2+
are at par than the international maximum permissible limits. This study
highlights the potential health risks associated with the cultivation
and consumption of leafy vegetables on wastewater-contaminated soils.
Wastewater used for irrigation around the peri-urban area of Quetta is
highly polluted especially in term of Pb2+& Cd2+
metals. Therefore, domestic and industrial waste of the city should be
properly disposed and or recycled so as to avoid the present/ future
health risks.
Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan.
E-mail:
profakk@yahoo.com
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