Abstract

Effect of Industrial Wastewater on Local Soil Quality and Vegetables in Industrial Estate Hattar, Pakistan

Hafeez Ullah* and Zeeshan Ul Haq

The concept of demand and supply increases the growth of industrialization. With the rapid increase in population, the number of industries and production rate also increases. These industries discharge tons of wastewater daily, which causes wastewater pollution. Pollution affects various parts of our society like agriculture, human life, animal, and plants. Specifically effect on human life is very drastic and polluting vegetables play a very important role. Current research work is carried out to evaluate and investigate the effect of industrial wastewater irrigation on soil quality and vegetables (onion, pumpkin, lady finger). The investigation is done through the use of a wet digestion method for sample preparation and equipment (Atomic absorption spectrophotometer) for heavy metals determination. The concentration of heavy metals in industrial wastewater as compared to tube well water follows the order: Fe>Zn>Ni>Mn>Cu>Cr. Zinc accumulation is the highest in wastewater-irrigated soil. For the pumpkin, Zn, Fe, and Mn show the highest transfer factor. Heavy metals accumulation for onion follows the trend in order: Mn>Zn>Fe>Cu>Cr>Co>Ni. The investigation shows that Zn, Fe, and Mn have the dominant effect on soil and vegetables. The vegetables show resistance to other heavy metals (Co, Ni, and Cr). This study will help the local farmers to study their land and cultivate proper crops in this area (Industrial Estate Hattar, Haripur). This will also create awareness among the masses to select appropriate vegetables for daily use.

Published Date: 2022-11-17; Received Date: 2022-10-10