PJB-2024-138
ASSESSMENT OF COBALT AND COPPER CONTAMINATION IN VARIOUS CITRUS FRUIT VARIETIES IN SARGODHA, PAKISTAN
Kafeel Ahmad
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the cobalt (Co) & copper (Cu) concentrations in various citrus cultivars subjected to varying irrigation sources (canal water and sewage water) and fertilizer types. Samples of water, fruit, and soil for metal analysis were selected randomly from two different locations. Cobalt concentrations were ranged from 0.051 to 0.237 mg/L in water, 0.193 to 4.637 mg/kg in soil, and 0.042 to 0.435 mg/kg in citrus fruit. Cu concentrations were varied from 0.061 to 0.75 mg/L in water, 6.08 to 29.56 mg/kg in soil, and 0.231 to 0.617 mg/kg in citrus fruit. Whereas sewage water irrigated site treated with inorganic fertilizer have higher contamination factor as compared to canal water irrigated soil treated with organic fertilizer. Co TF ranged from 0.0181 to 1.1518, with higher levels in C. limetta at SW-T1 while Cu TF showed variations, with C. sinensis displaying higher levels at SW sites. Enrichment factors (EF) highlighted the extent of Co & Cu enrichment in soil, with C. limetta consistently exhibiting higher EF values. The Hazard quotient values for Co & Cu was less than 1 while Fe HQ factor was greater than 1 and discovered to be carcinogenic. This study underscores the crucial need for continuous monitoring of Co & Cu concentrations in citrus varieties and advocates for sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food safety and human well-being.
To Cite this article:
Download
