The Role of Domestic Bleaching Agents in Soil Contamination and Heavy Metal Uptake in Vegetables
This study investigates the impact of domestic bleaching agents on soil health and heavy metal uptake in vegetables, focusing on the agricultural regions of Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Quetta in Pakistan. Soil samples from control and experimental plots were analyzed for changes in pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and organic matter content, revealing significant degradation in soil quality due to the introduction of bleaching agents. The concentrations of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Chromium (Cr) were measured in both soil and vegetable samples (spinach and carrot) using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Results showed elevated levels of these metals in contaminated plots, with Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations exceeding national and international safety standards. The study found strong correlations between soil and vegetable metal concentrations, highlighting the bioaccumulation of these metals in crops. The health risk assessment indicated potential health risks to consumers, with Hazard Index (HI) values exceeding safe thresholds. These findings underscore the need for stringent monitoring and regulation of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils. The study recommends sustainable agricultural practices, such as soil amendments, safe water use, and public awareness campaigns, to mitigate these risks. This research emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and further studies to develop effective strategies for managing soil and crop contamination in Pakistan.
Keywords: Heavy metals, Soil contamination, Vegetable uptake, Domestic bleaching agents, Health risk assessment
