Paper Details

PJB-2024-504

Transfer and health risk assessment of lead (Pb) across environmental and biological matrices in wastewater-irrigated agroecosystems

Zafar Iqbal Khan, Kanwal Sultan, Kafeel Ahmad, Faiza Zubair, Naila Riaz, Asma Ashfaq, Ijaz Rasool Noorka, Muhammad Irfan Ashraf and Ilker Ugulu
Abstract

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This research examined the distribution and transfer of lead (Pb) through environmental and biological matrices in agricultural areas of Bhalwal, Punjab (Pakistan), with special attention to the effects of their source of irrigation. Water, soil, cereal crops (Triticum aestivum, Linum usitatissimum, Zea mays, Avena sativa, and Pennisetum glaucum), and human blood samples were taken from sites irrigated with municipal wastewater (MWW), canal water (CW) and groundwater (GW). Pb concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and statistical analyses were used to explore spatial variability and correlation amongst the matrices. PB concentrations in irrigation water were from 0.0002 to 0.016 mg/L and remained below the WHO permissible limit (0.5 mg/L). Pb concentrations in soil (24.1–32.5 mg/kg) were above the WHO limit (10 mg/kg), indicating significant contamination of wastewater-irrigated sites. Pb concentrations in cereal crops varied from 0.18 to 0.42 mg/kg and exhibited crop-specific and site-specific differences, with L. usitatissimum and P. glaucum accumulating higher Pb concentrations. Pb concentrations in human blood samples varied from 0.0003 to 0.006 mg/L, with the highest concentrations occurring at MWW sites. Pollution Load Index (PLI) values (2.97–3.99) were above unity, suggesting contamination, while Health Risk Index (HRI) values (0.48–0.62) were below 1.0, indicating no direct health risk

To Cite this article: Khan, Z.I., K. Sultan, K. Ahmad, F. Zubair, N. Riaz, A. Ashfaq, I.R. Noorka, M.I. Ashraf and I. Ugulu. 2026. Transfer and health risk assessment of lead (Pb) across environmental and biological matrices in wastewater-irrigated agroecosystems. Pak. J. Bot., 58(6): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2026-6(6)  
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