PJB-2025-75
HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN ROADSIDE PEARL MILLET: TOXICOLOGICAL RISKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Mashal Maqsood
Abstract
Exposure to roadside pollution and heavy metal accumulation in fodder crops is an environmental and health issue in many countries, especially in areas with high vehicular emissions. This study aimed at assessing heavy metal contamination, evaluating pollution indices, and health risk assessment in fodder crops growing along the roadsides in Sargodha District, Pakistan. The study was carried out in Tehsil Sillanwali of district Sargodha, Pakistan at two sites: roadside site affected by vehicular emissions and control sites away from motor vehicle traffic. Samples of fodder (Pennisetum glaucum), soil, water and milk were collected from these sites. They were dried and digested in the laboratory and stored until to be analyzed. Heavy metals, including zinc, copper, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, iron, lead, and cadmium, were examined. Several indices were established to evaluate the levels of heavy metals. The results showed that the concentrations at roadside locations were significantly greater than those at the control sites, even though most heavy metal levels and indices values stayed within allowable limits. This study highlights the impact of roadside pollution on metal accumulation in Pennisetum glaucum and underscores the need for continued monitoring and mitigation strategies to reduce metal exposure risks for both livestock and human populations.
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