Impact of industrialization on accumulation of heavy metals in irrigation water, soil and vegetables

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of industrialization on the accumulation of heavy metals in irrigation water, soil, and vegetables in regions dependent on industrial wastewater for irrigation. Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) were analyzed in irrigation water, soil, and commonly consumed vegetables. Samples were collected from farms irrigated with water from the Nag, Musi, Krishna, and Hooghly rivers, known for receiving industrial effluents. The findings revealed elevated levels of these metals in water and soils, leading to bioaccumulation in crops. Hooghly river water showed the highest concentration of lead (7.5 mg/L), while soil irrigated by Musi river water exhibited elevated Fe levels (71.32 mg/kg). Vegetables grown in these soils had metal concentrations exceeding permissible limits. This study underscores the health risks posed by heavy metal contamination in agricultural produce and the need for better wastewater management practices.