Risk assessment of heavy metals pollution at Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
Romeh, A. A. A.
International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 15(7): 1393-1410
2018
ISSN/ISBN: 1735-1472 DOI: 10.1007/s13762-017-1489-6Document Number: 425267
The aim of this study is to measure the levels of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Pb) in common plantain (P. major L.) grown in meadowland sites in Zagazig University, Zagazig City, Sharkia governorate, Egypt, among seasons of year which this plant used as bioindicators and biomonitoring. The concentration of heavy metals in soil, roots, leaves and fruits of P. major was measured. The daily metal intake and the target hazard quotients for normal daily consumption of P. major were evaluated. The soils in the Zagazig University area are primarily contaminated by Fe, followed by Zn, Mn, Cu and Pb. Zn, Fe and Mn concentrations in most samples of P. major are above the permissible limit. The values of target hazard quotient for all examined samples of P. major (leaves, roots and fruits) were less than 1, with the exception of Mn (2.56) and Fe (1.45) in P. major leaves for adult human, Mn (3.08), Fe (1.75) and Pb (1.18) for children, which indicates the presence of potential health risk posed by Mn and Fe derived from consumption of contaminated P. major leaves for adult human and Mn, Fe and Pb for children. These results demonstrate that P. major can be used as a bioindicator and a biomonitor for ecotoxicological risk assessment of heavy metals in urban areas. Also, it can be taken as a guide of contamination with heavy metals in other vegetables and grains in urban areas. . [GRAPHICS] .