The Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Health Risks of Metals Bioaccumulation inDifferent Vegetables Cultivated in District Shikarpur, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Contaminated irrigation water from untreated municipal effluents poses a significant threat to vegetable farming in Shikarpur, Sindh. The current investigation shows the accumulation of HMs for instance Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Sn, Co, Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb and as in 15 varieties of locally grown vegetables. ICP – OES analysis declared that Cd, As and Cr exceeded the WHO/FAO limit, while other elements remained below the permissible limit. Seven vegetable species were observed to contain higher Cd content, and four species possessed higher as guideline. Cr was found in higher level than allowable level only in two varieties. Health risk assessments showed that each vegetable variety possessed Health Index (HI) greater than 1.0, ranging from 3.993 – 7.302, suggesting noteworthy non – carcinogenic hazards. Moreover, the Total Carcinogenic Risk (∑ ???????????? ???? ????=1 ) for entire vegetable samples enhanced the allowable permissible limit of 1.0×10-4 , with Cr and Cd recognized as the main conductors of cancer risk. These findings declare a severe public health alarm and a dire need for soil treatment and water irrigation management in the study area.