IJSRP, Volume 4, Issue 11, November 2014 Edition [ISSN 2250-3153]
Geetanjali Chauhan
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to measure the toxicity levels of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn and Cr) found in tested vegetables (Spinach, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brinjal, Lady’s Finger, Tomato and Radish) grown in contaminated Cement Factory area compared with those grown in reference Clean (control) area. When compared with the reference in contaminated area, water, soil and vegetables contents of all analyzed metals was significantly higher, usually over normally content for Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn and Cr. Particularly, higher values than safe limits were found for Pb, Cd, Mn and Cr in water and for Cd in soil and Pb, Cd and Cr were observed higher in leafy vegetable especially Spinach, in contaminated (Cement Factory) areas. In an attempt to understand the pattern of metal contamination in the area, useful tools including Enrichment Factor were also employed to indicate the sources of soil contamination were anthropogenic in character.