HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF CHROMIUM AND LEAD IN A SOIL-PLANT-RUMINANT FOOD CHAIN AGAINST TERRESTRIAL SOIL POLLUTION GRADIENT

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the concentrations of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) in soil, fodder, and animal (cow and buffalo) blood in Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. During the summer and winter seasons, samples were taken from three distinct locations. Using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, the content of chosen heavy metals was determined after digestion using the wet technique (AASP). The Cr and Pb ranged in forage (0.0465-0.4884 & 0.1807-0.9440 mg/kg) and soil (0.0918-0.5100 & 0.3374-2.5153 mg/kg) was far lower to permitted limits. The blood means concentration of both Cr (0.1029-2.8197 mg/L) and Pb (0.1643-0.8037mg/L) was found to be higher than the permitted limit. The burning of fuels and the mixing of residential waste in drinking water sources might be the cause. The health risk index was found more than 1 in Pb, while HRI value was lower than 1 in case of Cr metal. Sewage water irrigated site of winter season showed highest value of HRI. Elevated Cr and Pb levels in cattle blood appear to be dangerous. As a result, the government must enact regulations and raise public awareness for the benefit of animal and, ultimately, human health.