Heavy metal pollution in soil, water, and vegetables: health risks and sustainable bioremediation in the Dravyavati River basin
摘要
The object of the current research was to assess the concentrations, spatial variations, and risks of heavy metals on the health of irrigation water, soil, and vegetable products. Five agricultural areas along Dravyavati River (Jaipur, India) were sampled and analyzed in triplicate with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Parameters of contamination of indexes (CF, Igeo, EF) and human health risk parameters (THQ, HI, TCR) were used. The irrigation water contained higher levels of Pb (up to 0.15 mg/L), Cr (0.320.48 mg/L), and Ni that were beyond acceptable levels. Ni (72.65 mg/kg), Zn (83 mg/kg), and Pb (41.95 mg/kg) were found in high concentrations in soil samples. The uptake of vegetables was significant, which means that the food chain was transferred. The polluted indices on contamination indicated moderate to severe contamination. Health risk assessment revealed THQ to be over 1 and HI to be high especially among children, with TCR values being close to acceptable levels. The results show significant contamination and possible health hazards, and it is necessary to monitor and minimize it. Bioremediation with Oscillatoria salina and Dunaliella salina as microalgae had high removal efficiency (p < 0.05) of lead and chromium metals, which indicates that the remediation method can be considered sustainable.