Asma Ashfaq

This study evaluated Molybdenum (Mo) accumulation and potential health risks associated with four rice varieties (Super Kernel, Kainat, Basmati, and Irri 6) irrigated with tube well water (T1) and mixed wastewater (T2). Rice and irrigation water samples were analyzed for Mo concentrations by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Mo concentrations varied by variety and irrigation water source, increasing from 0.014 mg/kg under T1 to 0.0274 mg/kg under T2, while Kainat accumulated the lowest levels under both treatments. Molybdenum concentrations in rice grains remained low, ranging from 0.00073 to 0.012 mg/kg. Enrichment and transfer indices were consistently low, reflecting weak Mo enrichment and mobility within the soil–plant system. Serum Mo concentrations varied among age groups, ranging from 0.00162 to 0.01433 mg/L, with relatively higher values observed under mixed-water irrigation. The health risk assessment showed that the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for all age groups was below 1, with a maximum THQ of 0.00572, indicating no appreciable non-carcinogenic health risk associated with rice consumption. Although mixed-water irrigation resulted in higher Mo concentrations and THQ values, these differences represent increased estimated exposure rather than confirmed adverse health effects, supporting routine monitoring rather than implying chronic exposure risk.

This study evaluated Molybdenum (Mo) accumulation and potential health risks associated with four rice varieties (Super Kernel, Kainat, Basmati, and Irri 6) irrigated with tube well water (T1) and mixed wastewater (T2). Rice and irrigation water samples were analyzed for Mo concentrations by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Mo concentrations varied by variety and irrigation water source, increasing from 0.014 mg/kg under T1 to 0.0274 mg/kg under T2, while Kainat accumulated the lowest levels under both treatments. Molybdenum concentrations in rice grains remained low, ranging from 0.00073 to 0.012 mg/kg. Enrichment and transfer indices were consistently low, reflecting weak Mo enrichment and mobility within the soil–plant system. Serum Mo concentrations varied among age groups, ranging from 0.00162 to 0.01433 mg/L, with relatively higher values observed under mixed-water irrigation. The health risk assessment showed that the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for all age groups was below 1, with a maximum THQ of 0.00572, indicating no appreciable non-carcinogenic health risk associated with rice consumption. Although mixed-water irrigation resulted in higher Mo concentrations and THQ values, these differences represent increased estimated exposure rather than confirmed adverse health effects, supporting routine monitoring rather than implying chronic exposure risk.

ABSTRACT Heavy metal poisoning poses a serious threat to ruminant health. This study aimed to determine Cu accumulation and its transfer in the soil‒plant–animal food chain. A study was designed in which three sites irrigated with ground, canal, and sewage water (CW Site I, GW Site II, and SW Site III) in the district of Sargodha were selected. Six types of forages were chosen ( Zea mays , Pennisetum glaucum , Trifolium alexandrinum , Sorghum bicolor , Avena sativa , and Saccharum officinarum ). The Cu concentrations in these samples were determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA‐6300, Shimadzu, Japan). In soil, forage, and blood samples, Cu levels ranged from 10.036 to 14.93 mg kg −1 , 5.14 to 9.87 mg kg −1 , and 1.97 to 5.15 mg L −1 , respectively. The highest Cu level was observed at SW Site III, and the lowest was observed at CW Site I. The Cu values in the forage species samples were found to be lower than the permissible limit. On the other hand, a nonsignificant positive association was found between soil and forage at CW Site I, while a strong negative correlation was observed at SW Site III between forage and blood. The maximum levels of the transfer factor (0.8017) and enrichment factor (0.2300) for copper were observed upon wastewater irrigation (SW Site III). A higher value of EDI (0.0190) in Z. mays was observed at SW Site III. At all sites, the HQ values for the contaminant Cu were below 1, indicating a relatively low exposure risk. Frequent monitoring of heavy metals is necessary to prevent excessive build‐up of copper.

Potentially toxic metal contamination in agroecosystems poses a growing risk to environmental and food safety, particularly in arid regions where water scarcity enhances metal accumulation and increases reliance on groundwater irrigation. However, integrated assessments across environmental and biological matrices remain limited. This study quantified chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) in irrigation water, soil, forage, milk, and hair samples collected from rural and urban buffalo-rearing systems in Bhalwal, Punjab, Pakistan. Samples were subjected to acid digestion followed by quantification using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Measured concentrations in irrigation water ranged from 0.0025 to 0.047 mg/L (Cr), 1.45 to 6.70 mg/L (Fe), 0.018 to 0.097 mg/L (Mn), and 0.015 to 2.30 mg/L (Ni). While Cr and Mn remained below WHO and USEPA guideline limits (0.05-0.1 mg/L for Cr; 0.05-0.4 mg/L for Mn), Fe (limit: 0.3 mg/L) and Ni (limit: 0.07-0.1 mg/L) exceeded permissible levels at several sites, particularly in urban areas. Similar trends were observed in soil and forage, with elevated concentrations of Fe (up to 75.50 mg/kg) and Ni (up to 15.60 mg/kg). In biological matrices, milk concentrations ranged from 0.910 to 3.376 mg/L (Cr), 0.363 to 1.473 mg/L (Fe), 0.683 to 1.166 mg/L (Mn), and 0.223 to 0.915 mg/L (Ni), with several values exceeding typical background levels reported in the literature. Hair samples showed comparatively higher metal accumulation, reflecting longer-term exposure. Although concentration gradients from environmental to biological samples were observed, these findings indicate potential accumulation patterns rather than definitive trophic transfer pathways.

Heavy metals are among the most persistent and harmful environmental pollutants due to their indegradability, bioaccumulation capabilities, and biogrowth in food chains. This study evaluates the transfer and accumulation of heavy metals across the soil-fodder-milk continuum in semi-urban agricultural systems. This study also aims to provide a comprehensive risk assessment framework for addressing roadside ecological risks, which are common in developing countries. The samples were digested using a microwave-assisted acid digestion and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). All metals in the milk samples were below the accepted values of Zn (1.99-3.16 mg/L), Fe (0.16-0.32 mg/L), Mn (0.01-0.30 mg/L), Cu (0.0001-0.0087 mg/L), Pb (0.001-0.0098 mg/L), Cd (0.0006-0.0092 mg/L), Co (0.0002-0.0080 mg/L), and Mo (0.0001-0.0040 mg/L). Soil quality assessment using the Pollution Load Index (PLI) confirmed minimal contamination (PLI<1), though elevated Zn and Pb near roadways indicated traffic-related contributions. Fodder crops exhibited limited metal uptake, with Bioconcentration Factors (BCF) below 1 for all elements. Daily Intake of Metals (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) values for grazing cattle were within safe thresholds (HRI<1). Spatial analysis revealed significant site-specific variations (p<0.001), particularly near roadsides. The findings offer important reference value for ensuring regional agricultural product quality and safety.

Heavy metals are among the most persistent and harmful environmental pollutants due to their indegradability, bioaccumulation capabilities, and biogrowth in food chains. This study evaluates the transfer and accumulation of heavy metals across the soil-fodder-milk continuum in semi-urban agricultural systems. This study also aims to provide a comprehensive risk assessment framework for addressing roadside ecological risks, which are common in developing countries. The samples were digested using a microwave-assisted acid digestion and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). All metals in the milk samples were below the accepted values of Zn (1.99-3.16 mg/L), Fe (0.16-0.32 mg/L), Mn (0.01-0.30 mg/L), Cu (0.0001-0.0087 mg/L), Pb (0.001-0.0098 mg/L), Cd (0.0006-0.0092 mg/L), Co (0.0002-0.0080 mg/L), and Mo (0.0001-0.0040 mg/L). Soil quality assessment using the Pollution Load Index (PLI) confirmed minimal contamination (PLI<1), though elevated Zn and Pb near roadways indicated traffic-related contributions. Fodder crops exhibited limited metal uptake, with Bioconcentration Factors (BCF) below 1 for all elements. Daily Intake of Metals (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) values for grazing cattle were within safe thresholds (HRI<1). Spatial analysis revealed significant site-specific variations (p<0.001), particularly near roadsides. The findings offer important reference value for ensuring regional agricultural product quality and safety.

This study evaluated Molybdenum (Mo) accumulation and potential health risks associated with four rice varieties (Super Kernel, Kainat, Basmati, and Irri 6) irrigated with tube well water (T1) and mixed wastewater (T2). Rice and irrigation water samples were analyzed for Mo concentrations by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Mo concentrations varied by variety and irrigation water source, increasing from 0.014 mg/kg under T1 to 0.0274 mg/kg under T2, while Kainat accumulated the lowest levels under both treatments. Molybdenum concentrations in rice grains remained low, ranging from 0.00073 to 0.012 mg/kg. Enrichment and transfer indices were consistently low, reflecting weak Mo enrichment and mobility within the soil–plant system. Serum Mo concentrations varied among age groups, ranging from 0.00162 to 0.01433 mg/L, with relatively higher values observed under mixed-water irrigation. The health risk assessment showed that the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for all age groups was below 1, with a maximum THQ of 0.00572, indicating no appreciable non-carcinogenic health risk associated with rice consumption. Although mixed-water irrigation resulted in higher Mo concentrations and THQ values, these differences represent increased estimated exposure rather than confirmed adverse health effects, supporting routine monitoring rather than implying chronic exposure risk.

This study evaluated Molybdenum (Mo) accumulation and potential health risks associated with four rice varieties (Super Kernel, Kainat, Basmati, and Irri 6) irrigated with tube well water (T1) and mixed wastewater (T2). Rice and irrigation water samples were analyzed for Mo concentrations by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Mo concentrations varied by variety and irrigation water source, increasing from 0.014 mg/kg under T1 to 0.0274 mg/kg under T2, while Kainat accumulated the lowest levels under both treatments. Molybdenum concentrations in rice grains remained low, ranging from 0.00073 to 0.012 mg/kg. Enrichment and transfer indices were consistently low, reflecting weak Mo enrichment and mobility within the soil–plant system. Serum Mo concentrations varied among age groups, ranging from 0.00162 to 0.01433 mg/L, with relatively higher values observed under mixed-water irrigation. The health risk assessment showed that the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for all age groups was below 1, with a maximum THQ of 0.00572, indicating no appreciable non-carcinogenic health risk associated with rice consumption. Although mixed-water irrigation resulted in higher Mo concentrations and THQ values, these differences represent increased estimated exposure rather than confirmed adverse health effects, supporting routine monitoring rather than implying chronic exposure risk.

This study evaluated Molybdenum (Mo) accumulation and potential health risks associated with four rice varieties (Super Kernel, Kainat, Basmati, and Irri 6) irrigated with tube well water (T1) and mixed wastewater (T2). Rice and irrigation water samples were analyzed for Mo concentrations by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Mo concentrations varied by variety and irrigation water source, increasing from 0.014 mg/kg under T1 to 0.0274 mg/kg under T2, while Kainat accumulated the lowest levels under both treatments. Molybdenum concentrations in rice grains remained low, ranging from 0.00073 to 0.012 mg/kg. Enrichment and transfer indices were consistently low, reflecting weak Mo enrichment and mobility within the soil–plant system. Serum Mo concentrations varied among age groups, ranging from 0.00162 to 0.01433 mg/L, with relatively higher values observed under mixed-water irrigation. The health risk assessment showed that the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for all age groups was below 1, with a maximum THQ of 0.00572, indicating no appreciable non-carcinogenic health risk associated with rice consumption. Although mixed-water irrigation resulted in higher Mo concentrations and THQ values, these differences represent increased estimated exposure rather than confirmed adverse health effects, supporting routine monitoring rather than implying chronic exposure risk.

Heavy metals are among the most persistent and harmful environmental pollutants due to their indegradability, bioaccumulation capabilities, and biogrowth in food chains. This study evaluates the transfer and accumulation of heavy metals across the soil-fodder-milk continuum in semi-urban agricultural systems. This study also aims to provide a comprehensive risk assessment framework for addressing roadside ecological risks, which are common in developing countries. The samples were digested using a microwave-assisted acid digestion and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). All metals in the milk samples were below the accepted values of Zn (1.99-3.16 mg/L), Fe (0.16-0.32 mg/L), Mn (0.01-0.30 mg/L), Cu (0.0001-0.0087 mg/L), Pb (0.001-0.0098 mg/L), Cd (0.0006-0.0092 mg/L), Co (0.0002-0.0080 mg/L), and Mo (0.0001-0.0040 mg/L). Soil quality assessment using the Pollution Load Index (PLI) confirmed minimal contamination (PLI<1), though elevated Zn and Pb near roadways indicated traffic-related contributions. Fodder crops exhibited limited metal uptake, with Bioconcentration Factors (BCF) below 1 for all elements. Daily Intake of Metals (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) values for grazing cattle were within safe thresholds (HRI<1). Spatial analysis revealed significant site-specific variations (p<0.001), particularly near roadsides. The findings offer important reference value for ensuring regional agricultural product quality and safety.

Heavy metals are among the most persistent and harmful environmental pollutants due to their indegradability, bioaccumulation capabilities, and biogrowth in food chains. This study evaluates the transfer and accumulation of heavy metals across the soil-fodder-milk continuum in semi-urban agricultural systems. This study also aims to provide a comprehensive risk assessment framework for addressing roadside ecological risks, which are common in developing countries. The samples were digested using a microwave-assisted acid digestion and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). All metals in the milk samples were below the accepted values of Zn (1.99-3.16 mg/L), Fe (0.16-0.32 mg/L), Mn (0.01-0.30 mg/L), Cu (0.0001-0.0087 mg/L), Pb (0.001-0.0098 mg/L), Cd (0.0006-0.0092 mg/L), Co (0.0002-0.0080 mg/L), and Mo (0.0001-0.0040 mg/L). Soil quality assessment using the Pollution Load Index (PLI) confirmed minimal contamination (PLI<1), though elevated Zn and Pb near roadways indicated traffic-related contributions. Fodder crops exhibited limited metal uptake, with Bioconcentration Factors (BCF) below 1 for all elements. Daily Intake of Metals (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) values for grazing cattle were within safe thresholds (HRI<1). Spatial analysis revealed significant site-specific variations (p<0.001), particularly near roadsides. The findings offer important reference value for ensuring regional agricultural product quality and safety.

Heavy metals are among the most persistent and harmful environmental pollutants due to their indegradability, bioaccumulation capabilities, and biogrowth in food chains. This study evaluates the transfer and accumulation of heavy metals across the soil-fodder-milk continuum in semi-urban agricultural systems. This study also aims to provide a comprehensive risk assessment framework for addressing roadside ecological risks, which are common in developing countries. The samples were digested using a microwave-assisted acid digestion and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). All metals in the milk samples were below the accepted values of Zn (1.99-3.16 mg/L), Fe (0.16-0.32 mg/L), Mn (0.01-0.30 mg/L), Cu (0.0001-0.0087 mg/L), Pb (0.001-0.0098 mg/L), Cd (0.0006-0.0092 mg/L), Co (0.0002-0.0080 mg/L), and Mo (0.0001-0.0040 mg/L). Soil quality assessment using the Pollution Load Index (PLI) confirmed minimal contamination (PLI<1), though elevated Zn and Pb near roadways indicated traffic-related contributions. Fodder crops exhibited limited metal uptake, with Bioconcentration Factors (BCF) below 1 for all elements. Daily Intake of Metals (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) values for grazing cattle were within safe thresholds (HRI<1). Spatial analysis revealed significant site-specific variations (p<0.001), particularly near roadsides. The findings offer important reference value for ensuring regional agricultural product quality and safety.

The zinc concentration was evaluated in soil amended with municipal solid waste (MSW) as well as in vegetables. This work consists of two sets of observations. The research aimed to assess the potential contamination of vegetables with Zn and its implications for human health upon consumption. All the species that were studied had Zn concentrations that were below the phytotoxic limit. In Y 1 , Cucurbita pepo , Allium cepa , and Lycopersican esculentum showed consistent increases in both DIM (daily intake of metals) and HRI (health risk index) over the treatment periods, indicating a positive response to the applied treatments. Among all the treatments, Luffa acutangula and A. cepa had the greatest DIM and HRI values in Y 2 . Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of Zn dynamics in vegetable crops under different soil conditions and underscores the importance of sustainable waste management practices to ensure food safety and human health.

The contamination of various forage types with augmented concentrations of metal components carries substantial hygienic importance, as it functions as the principal pathway for the assimilation of these constituents into the food web. The purpose of this research was to explore the possible impacts on health hazards linked to cadmium contamination via diverse metrics within the food web, stemming from the ingestion of regularly consumed forages grown on polluted sites in the proximity of district Khushab, Pakistan. Specimens of water ( n = 100), forages ( n = 240), soil ( n = 240), ruminant’s blood ( n = 100) and milk ( n = 100) were procured from two distinct locations; Chabeel (S_1) & Nalli Shumali (S_2) in the winter and summer of 2023-24, and were scrutinized for cadmium levels utilizing an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The average levels of cadmium ranged from 0.09 to 0.58 mg kg −1 , 0.04–1.02 mg kg −1 , 0.21-1.25mg L −1 , 0.17–2.98 mg L −1 , 0.68–4.68 mg L −1 , 0.24–1.25 mg L −1 , and 0.15–0.96 mg L −1 in soil, forages, water, cows’ blood, buffaloes’ blood, cows’ milk, and buffaloes’ milk, accordingly. Highly significantly perfect positive strong correlation was detected between the water of S_1 vs. soil of S_2 during the winter season. In animals, the maximum cadmium concentrations were appraised in blood, whereas minimum in milk. The following indices values; BCF, EF, Eri, HRI, and THQ were > 1 indicating health hazard consequences of cadmium for consumers during both seasons at both sites of study region. The assessment and continual monitoring of the concentrations of conceivably detrimental heavy metals and metalloids in diverse environmental constituents and the indigenous biota is of utmost significance. In the future, it is imperative to strongly support the consistent monitoring of noxious metal levels in the verdant expanse encircling polluted areas.

The freshwater shortage and increased domestic effluents have led the farmers to utilize untreated sewage water for irrigation, owing to population growth and urbanization in Pakistan. Though sewage water contains essential plant nutrients, it is also a foremost source of metal contamination within the food chain. This study aimed to compare heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cr) contamination in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) grown in soils irrigated with sewage water, tube well water, and canal water in Sillanwali and Sargodha of Punjab, Pakistan. The areas were evaluated for heavy metal contamination using soil quality indices, including contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), estimated daily intake (EDI), and hazard quotient (HQ), which were duly computed for the collected samples. The physicochemical properties of the soil and water samples were also analyzed. The results indicated that the sewage-irrigated areas are more vulnerable to risk concerning metal contamination than those located along canals. Metal concentrations in sewage-irrigated areas were significantly higher in the edible parts of the vegetables; sewage water contained and transferred more metals than canal water; hence, it poses increased health and ecological risks. Peak concentrations were observed at site SW1 (sewage water, site 1) and were the lowest at site TW2 (tube well water irrigation, site 2). Since all metal index values fell below 1, it shows that all metal concentrations were within permissible limits.

Arsenic (As) contamination is a major health problem that exists worldwide. The accumulation of toxic metals in the surrounding soils of advanced industrial and agricultural sectors has the potential to degrade the ecosystem. All the soil and vegetable samples contaminated with different water sources were collected from three districts, namely, Jhang, Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh. All samples were digested via the wet digestion method . Water, soil, vegetable, and human blood samples were analyzed to determine the concentration of arsenic via an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The As content was greater in the soil (0.53–22.311 mg/kg) and vegetable (0.291–1.796 mg/kg) samples collected from Site 3, which were treated with wastewater. The As concentration ranged from 0.02444 to 2.287 mg/L in the blood serum. The potential health risks were evaluated by applying various indices, such as the accumulation factor, single pollution index, enrichment factor, estimated daily intake and target hazard quotient of arsenic. C esculenta presented the highest values for the accumulation factor (0.756) and enrichment factor (3.134). The study revealed a target hazard quotient (THQ) exceeding 2 at several sites, posing potential health risks. Leafy vegetables irrigated with wastewater accumulated arsenic above permissible limits due to soil contamination . However, arsenic contamination can have a direct impact on soil, metal uptake by vegetables and human health. The study highlights that human activities have intensified metal pollution in the area, necessitating immediate cessation of such practices. Environmentally friendly wastewater management methods should be implemented, and regular monitoring of toxic metals in water, soil, and vegetables is crucial to prevent excessive arsenic accumulation.

The freshwater shortage and increased domestic effluents have led the farmers to utilize untreated sewage water for irrigation, owing to population growth and urbanization in Pakistan. Though sewage water contains essential plant nutrients, it is also a foremost source of metal contamination within the food chain. This study aimed to compare heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cr) contamination in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) grown in soils irrigated with sewage water, tube well water, and canal water in Sillanwali and Sargodha of Punjab, Pakistan. The areas were evaluated for heavy metal contamination using soil quality indices, including contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), estimated daily intake (EDI), and hazard quotient (HQ), which were duly computed for the collected samples. The physicochemical properties of the soil and water samples were also analyzed. The results indicated that the sewage-irrigated areas are more vulnerable to risk concerning metal contamination than those located along canals. Metal concentrations in sewage-irrigated areas were significantly higher in the edible parts of the vegetables; sewage water contained and transferred more metals than canal water; hence, it poses increased health and ecological risks. Peak concentrations were observed at site SW1 (sewage water, site 1) and were the lowest at site TW2 (tube well water irrigation, site 2). Since all metal index values fell below 1, it shows that all metal concentrations were within permissible limits.

Freshwater resources are continuously depleting over time due to the combination of various climatic, political and anthropogenic factors. The freshwater shortage has compelled farmers to use sewage water as an irrigation source for vegetable cultivation. However, urban sewage water contains a sufficient amount of heavy metals which can easily damage soil, crops and affect human health. The present study compared the concentrations of toxic metals including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) lead, (Pb) and cobalt (Co) in radish and soil irrigated with sewage water (SW) versus canal water (CW). The results showed that the SW contains a significant number of heavy metals e.g., Cu (1.735 mg/kg), Fe (3.775 mg/kg), Zn (1.885 mg/kg), Mn (0.375 mg/kg), Cd (0.044 mg/kg), Co (0.05 mg/kg), Pb (0.062 mg/kg), and Mo (0.07 mg/kg), leading to increase the accumulation in the radish and soil by increasing their permissible limits. The irrigation water sources also have the potential to affect soil physicochemical properties and proximate composition of the radish. The sewage water irrigation notably increased salinity, nutrients, and soil organic matter, however it also increased the contamination risks. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Bio-concentration Factor (BCF) metrics revealed that sewage water has substantial adverse health impacts due to high metal contamination. There is an urgent need to adopt the innovative management strategies to improve the irrigation water sources to prevent soil health threats from metal pollution.

This study examines the effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) amendments on molybdenum (Mo) concentrations in both soil and vegetables in two growing years. Three MSW treatments were tested, i.e., 25% MSW + 75% garden soil (T1), 50% MSW + 50% garden soil (T2), and 75% MSW + 25% garden soil (T3), with a control treatment of 100% garden soil (T0). Fifteen vegetable species were cultivated to evaluate Mo uptake and bioaccumulation. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Bioaccumulation Factor (BCF) values confirmed the impact of MSW on Mo accumulation in both soil and vegetables, with Allium cepa and Mentha arvensis showing greater sensitivity to Mo contamination. Health risk assessments revealed that vegetables grown in MSW-amended soils, especially Allium cepa at T3 Year-1, had higher Daily Intake of Metal (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) values compared to those grown in the control soil. The analysis of molybdenum concentrations in blood samples taken from people of various localities added a human health aspect to the study. This study highlights the potential of MSW compost in increasing Mo bioavailability and the implications for human health through vegetable consumption, emphasizing the need to carefully monitor Mo levels in MSW-amended soils.

This study investigated the potential risks of cadmium (Cd) toxicity in buffaloes grazing on forages that were cultivated in soils irrigated by various sources of wastewater. The absorption of trace metals (TM) by plants and their subsequent entry into the food chain pose a significant danger to grazing animals through the accumulation of contaminated fodder. The mean concentration of Cd in the water ranged from 0.18–1.78 mg/L, in the soil 0.63 to 1.87 mg/kg, in the forage 0.20 to 1.32 mg/kg, and in the blood 0.26 to 1.98 mg/L. Among all three sites, canal water (CW Site I), groundwater (GW Site II), and sewage water (SW Site III), the concentration factor (CF) values were below the threshold of 1 (CF < 1), indicating the nominal environmental concern regarding Cd contents in the soil-plant interface. In addition, a prominent variation was noticed in the transfer factor (TF) of Cd across different sites, with the highest TF observed in Avena sativa L. at SW Site III (0.8) and the lowest in Pennisetum glaucum L. at CW Site I (0.27). Furthermore, the hazard quotient (HQ) exhibited a substantial fluctuation, ranging from 0.39 to 2.6, reflecting varying levels of potential health risks associated with Cd exposure. The outcomes of the current investigation suggested that the prominent increase in Cd levels was recorded at sampling site SW Site III due to continuous wastewater irrigation. Prolonged exposure and increased Cd absorption in buffaloes grazing at these sites could have harmful long-term effects on their health. The correlation analysis between Cd concentrations in water, soil, forage, and blood showed a positive but non-significant relationship for water-soil, soil-forage, and forage-blood interactions. This highlights the need for further research to assess the long-term implications of wastewater irrigation on heavy metal accumulation in livestock.

Freshwater resources are continuously depleting over time due to the combination of various climatic, political and anthropogenic factors. The freshwater shortage has compelled farmers to use sewage water as an irrigation source for vegetable cultivation. However, urban sewage water contains a sufficient amount of heavy metals which can easily damage soil, crops and affect human health. The present study compared the concentrations of toxic metals including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) lead, (Pb) and cobalt (Co) in radish and soil irrigated with sewage water (SW) versus canal water (CW). The results showed that the SW contains a significant number of heavy metals e.g., Cu (1.735 mg/kg), Fe (3.775 mg/kg), Zn (1.885 mg/kg), Mn (0.375 mg/kg), Cd (0.044 mg/kg), Co (0.05 mg/kg), Pb (0.062 mg/kg), and Mo (0.07 mg/kg), leading to increase the accumulation in the radish and soil by increasing their permissible limits. The irrigation water sources also have the potential to affect soil physicochemical properties and proximate composition of the radish. The sewage water irrigation notably increased salinity, nutrients, and soil organic matter, however it also increased the contamination risks. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Bio-concentration Factor (BCF) metrics revealed that sewage water has substantial adverse health impacts due to high metal contamination. There is an urgent need to adopt the innovative management strategies to improve the irrigation water sources to prevent soil health threats from metal pollution.

This study examines the effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) amendments on molybdenum (Mo) concentrations in both soil and vegetables in two growing years. Three MSW treatments were tested, i.e., 25% MSW + 75% garden soil (T1), 50% MSW + 50% garden soil (T2), and 75% MSW + 25% garden soil (T3), with a control treatment of 100% garden soil (T0). Fifteen vegetable species were cultivated to evaluate Mo uptake and bioaccumulation. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Bioaccumulation Factor (BCF) values confirmed the impact of MSW on Mo accumulation in both soil and vegetables, with Allium cepa and Mentha arvensis showing greater sensitivity to Mo contamination. Health risk assessments revealed that vegetables grown in MSW-amended soils, especially Allium cepa at T3 Year-1, had higher Daily Intake of Metal (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) values compared to those grown in the control soil. The analysis of molybdenum concentrations in blood samples taken from people of various localities added a human health aspect to the study. This study highlights the potential of MSW compost in increasing Mo bioavailability and the implications for human health through vegetable consumption, emphasizing the need to carefully monitor Mo levels in MSW-amended soils.

The zinc concentration was evaluated in soil amended with municipal solid waste (MSW) as well as in vegetables. This work consists of two sets of observations. The research aimed to assess the potential contamination of vegetables with Zn and its implications for human health upon consumption. All the species that were studied had Zn concentrations that were below the phytotoxic limit. In Y 1 , Cucurbita pepo , Allium cepa , and Lycopersican esculentum showed consistent increases in both DIM (daily intake of metals) and HRI (health risk index) over the treatment periods, indicating a positive response to the applied treatments. Among all the treatments, Luffa acutangula and A. cepa had the greatest DIM and HRI values in Y 2 . Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of Zn dynamics in vegetable crops under different soil conditions and underscores the importance of sustainable waste management practices to ensure food safety and human health.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital crop that feeds approximately 30% of the global population.Its production is increasingly challenged by rust diseases, including stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp.tritici), leaf rust (Puccinia triticina), and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp.tritici).Despite their prevalence, many farmers lack awareness of economical and non-toxic treatments.A susceptible wheat variety (Morocco) was treated with aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Nicotiana tabacum, Syzygium cumini, and Eucalyptus globulus.Positive (Nativo) and negative (untreated) controls were included in the study.A. indica and N. tabacum effectively induced host resistance to leaf rust. A. indica at 50% concentration achieved the highest disease control (77.66%) compared to the positive control (73.66%) and negative control (0%).Disease severity was the highest in negative control (96%), followed by the E. globulus and S. cumini treatments (70.67% and 19.46%, respectively).No phytotoxicity was observed in the treated crops.Plant-based extracts can serve as natural, sustainable treatments to inhibit rust.

The contamination of various forage types with augmented concentrations of metal components carries substantial hygienic importance, as it functions as the principal pathway for the assimilation of these constituents into the food web. The purpose of this research was to explore the possible impacts on health hazards linked to cadmium contamination via diverse metrics within the food web, stemming from the ingestion of regularly consumed forages grown on polluted sites in the proximity of district Khushab, Pakistan. Specimens of water ( n = 100), forages ( n = 240), soil ( n = 240), ruminant’s blood ( n = 100) and milk ( n = 100) were procured from two distinct locations; Chabeel (S_1) & Nalli Shumali (S_2) in the winter and summer of 2023-24, and were scrutinized for cadmium levels utilizing an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The average levels of cadmium ranged from 0.09 to 0.58 mg kg −1 , 0.04–1.02 mg kg −1 , 0.21-1.25mg L −1 , 0.17–2.98 mg L −1 , 0.68–4.68 mg L −1 , 0.24–1.25 mg L −1 , and 0.15–0.96 mg L −1 in soil, forages, water, cows’ blood, buffaloes’ blood, cows’ milk, and buffaloes’ milk, accordingly. Highly significantly perfect positive strong correlation was detected between the water of S_1 vs. soil of S_2 during the winter season. In animals, the maximum cadmium concentrations were appraised in blood, whereas minimum in milk. The following indices values; BCF, EF, Eri, HRI, and THQ were > 1 indicating health hazard consequences of cadmium for consumers during both seasons at both sites of study region. The assessment and continual monitoring of the concentrations of conceivably detrimental heavy metals and metalloids in diverse environmental constituents and the indigenous biota is of utmost significance. In the future, it is imperative to strongly support the consistent monitoring of noxious metal levels in the verdant expanse encircling polluted areas.

Arsenic (As) contamination is a major health problem that exists worldwide. The accumulation of toxic metals in the surrounding soils of advanced industrial and agricultural sectors has the potential to degrade the ecosystem. All the soil and vegetable samples contaminated with different water sources were collected from three districts, namely, Jhang, Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh. All samples were digested via the wet digestion method . Water, soil, vegetable, and human blood samples were analyzed to determine the concentration of arsenic via an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The As content was greater in the soil (0.53–22.311 mg/kg) and vegetable (0.291–1.796 mg/kg) samples collected from Site 3, which were treated with wastewater. The As concentration ranged from 0.02444 to 2.287 mg/L in the blood serum. The potential health risks were evaluated by applying various indices, such as the accumulation factor, single pollution index, enrichment factor, estimated daily intake and target hazard quotient of arsenic. C esculenta presented the highest values for the accumulation factor (0.756) and enrichment factor (3.134). The study revealed a target hazard quotient (THQ) exceeding 2 at several sites, posing potential health risks. Leafy vegetables irrigated with wastewater accumulated arsenic above permissible limits due to soil contamination . However, arsenic contamination can have a direct impact on soil, metal uptake by vegetables and human health. The study highlights that human activities have intensified metal pollution in the area, necessitating immediate cessation of such practices. Environmentally friendly wastewater management methods should be implemented, and regular monitoring of toxic metals in water, soil, and vegetables is crucial to prevent excessive arsenic accumulation.

The zinc concentration was evaluated in soil amended with municipal solid waste (MSW) as well as in vegetables. This work consists of two sets of observations. The research aimed to assess the potential contamination of vegetables with Zn and its implications for human health upon consumption. All the species that were studied had Zn concentrations that were below the phytotoxic limit. In Y 1 , Cucurbita pepo , Allium cepa , and Lycopersican esculentum showed consistent increases in both DIM (daily intake of metals) and HRI (health risk index) over the treatment periods, indicating a positive response to the applied treatments. Among all the treatments, Luffa acutangula and A. cepa had the greatest DIM and HRI values in Y 2 . Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of Zn dynamics in vegetable crops under different soil conditions and underscores the importance of sustainable waste management practices to ensure food safety and human health.

This study investigated the potential risks of cadmium (Cd) toxicity in buffaloes grazing on forages that were cultivated in soils irrigated by various sources of wastewater. The absorption of trace metals (TM) by plants and their subsequent entry into the food chain pose a significant danger to grazing animals through the accumulation of contaminated fodder. The mean concentration of Cd in the water ranged from 0.18–1.78 mg/L, in the soil 0.63 to 1.87 mg/kg, in the forage 0.20 to 1.32 mg/kg, and in the blood 0.26 to 1.98 mg/L. Among all three sites, canal water (CW Site I), groundwater (GW Site II), and sewage water (SW Site III), the concentration factor (CF) values were below the threshold of 1 (CF < 1), indicating the nominal environmental concern regarding Cd contents in the soil-plant interface. In addition, a prominent variation was noticed in the transfer factor (TF) of Cd across different sites, with the highest TF observed in Avena sativa L. at SW Site III (0.8) and the lowest in Pennisetum glaucum L. at CW Site I (0.27). Furthermore, the hazard quotient (HQ) exhibited a substantial fluctuation, ranging from 0.39 to 2.6, reflecting varying levels of potential health risks associated with Cd exposure. The outcomes of the current investigation suggested that the prominent increase in Cd levels was recorded at sampling site SW Site III due to continuous wastewater irrigation. Prolonged exposure and increased Cd absorption in buffaloes grazing at these sites could have harmful long-term effects on their health. The correlation analysis between Cd concentrations in water, soil, forage, and blood showed a positive but non-significant relationship for water-soil, soil-forage, and forage-blood interactions. This highlights the need for further research to assess the long-term implications of wastewater irrigation on heavy metal accumulation in livestock.

This study examines the effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) amendments on molybdenum (Mo) concentrations in both soil and vegetables in two growing years. Three MSW treatments were tested, i.e., 25% MSW + 75% garden soil (T1), 50% MSW + 50% garden soil (T2), and 75% MSW + 25% garden soil (T3), with a control treatment of 100% garden soil (T0). Fifteen vegetable species were cultivated to evaluate Mo uptake and bioaccumulation. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Bioaccumulation Factor (BCF) values confirmed the impact of MSW on Mo accumulation in both soil and vegetables, with Allium cepa and Mentha arvensis showing greater sensitivity to Mo contamination. Health risk assessments revealed that vegetables grown in MSW-amended soils, especially Allium cepa at T3 Year-1, had higher Daily Intake of Metal (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) values compared to those grown in the control soil. The analysis of molybdenum concentrations in blood samples taken from people of various localities added a human health aspect to the study. This study highlights the potential of MSW compost in increasing Mo bioavailability and the implications for human health through vegetable consumption, emphasizing the need to carefully monitor Mo levels in MSW-amended soils.

The zinc concentration was evaluated in soil amended with municipal solid waste (MSW) as well as in vegetables. This work consists of two sets of observations. The research aimed to assess the potential contamination of vegetables with Zn and its implications for human health upon consumption. All the species that were studied had Zn concentrations that were below the phytotoxic limit. In Y 1 , Cucurbita pepo , Allium cepa , and Lycopersican esculentum showed consistent increases in both DIM (daily intake of metals) and HRI (health risk index) over the treatment periods, indicating a positive response to the applied treatments. Among all the treatments, Luffa acutangula and A. cepa had the greatest DIM and HRI values in Y 2 . Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of Zn dynamics in vegetable crops under different soil conditions and underscores the importance of sustainable waste management practices to ensure food safety and human health.

The contamination of various forage types with augmented concentrations of metal components carries substantial hygienic importance, as it functions as the principal pathway for the assimilation of these constituents into the food web. The purpose of this research was to explore the possible impacts on health hazards linked to cadmium contamination via diverse metrics within the food web, stemming from the ingestion of regularly consumed forages grown on polluted sites in the proximity of district Khushab, Pakistan. Specimens of water ( n = 100), forages ( n = 240), soil ( n = 240), ruminant’s blood ( n = 100) and milk ( n = 100) were procured from two distinct locations; Chabeel (S_1) & Nalli Shumali (S_2) in the winter and summer of 2023-24, and were scrutinized for cadmium levels utilizing an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The average levels of cadmium ranged from 0.09 to 0.58 mg kg −1 , 0.04–1.02 mg kg −1 , 0.21-1.25mg L −1 , 0.17–2.98 mg L −1 , 0.68–4.68 mg L −1 , 0.24–1.25 mg L −1 , and 0.15–0.96 mg L −1 in soil, forages, water, cows’ blood, buffaloes’ blood, cows’ milk, and buffaloes’ milk, accordingly. Highly significantly perfect positive strong correlation was detected between the water of S_1 vs. soil of S_2 during the winter season. In animals, the maximum cadmium concentrations were appraised in blood, whereas minimum in milk. The following indices values; BCF, EF, Eri, HRI, and THQ were > 1 indicating health hazard consequences of cadmium for consumers during both seasons at both sites of study region. The assessment and continual monitoring of the concentrations of conceivably detrimental heavy metals and metalloids in diverse environmental constituents and the indigenous biota is of utmost significance. In the future, it is imperative to strongly support the consistent monitoring of noxious metal levels in the verdant expanse encircling polluted areas.

The freshwater shortage and increased domestic effluents have led the farmers to utilize untreated sewage water for irrigation, owing to population growth and urbanization in Pakistan. Though sewage water contains essential plant nutrients, it is also a foremost source of metal contamination within the food chain. This study aimed to compare heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cr) contamination in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) grown in soils irrigated with sewage water, tube well water, and canal water in Sillanwali and Sargodha of Punjab, Pakistan. The areas were evaluated for heavy metal contamination using soil quality indices, including contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), estimated daily intake (EDI), and hazard quotient (HQ), which were duly computed for the collected samples. The physicochemical properties of the soil and water samples were also analyzed. The results indicated that the sewage-irrigated areas are more vulnerable to risk concerning metal contamination than those located along canals. Metal concentrations in sewage-irrigated areas were significantly higher in the edible parts of the vegetables; sewage water contained and transferred more metals than canal water; hence, it poses increased health and ecological risks. Peak concentrations were observed at site SW1 (sewage water, site 1) and were the lowest at site TW2 (tube well water irrigation, site 2). Since all metal index values fell below 1, it shows that all metal concentrations were within permissible limits.

Arsenic (As) contamination is a major health problem that exists worldwide. The accumulation of toxic metals in the surrounding soils of advanced industrial and agricultural sectors has the potential to degrade the ecosystem. All the soil and vegetable samples contaminated with different water sources were collected from three districts, namely, Jhang, Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh. All samples were digested via the wet digestion method . Water, soil, vegetable, and human blood samples were analyzed to determine the concentration of arsenic via an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The As content was greater in the soil (0.53–22.311 mg/kg) and vegetable (0.291–1.796 mg/kg) samples collected from Site 3, which were treated with wastewater. The As concentration ranged from 0.02444 to 2.287 mg/L in the blood serum. The potential health risks were evaluated by applying various indices, such as the accumulation factor, single pollution index, enrichment factor, estimated daily intake and target hazard quotient of arsenic. C esculenta presented the highest values for the accumulation factor (0.756) and enrichment factor (3.134). The study revealed a target hazard quotient (THQ) exceeding 2 at several sites, posing potential health risks. Leafy vegetables irrigated with wastewater accumulated arsenic above permissible limits due to soil contamination . However, arsenic contamination can have a direct impact on soil, metal uptake by vegetables and human health. The study highlights that human activities have intensified metal pollution in the area, necessitating immediate cessation of such practices. Environmentally friendly wastewater management methods should be implemented, and regular monitoring of toxic metals in water, soil, and vegetables is crucial to prevent excessive arsenic accumulation.

Freshwater resources are continuously depleting over time due to the combination of various climatic, political and anthropogenic factors. The freshwater shortage has compelled farmers to use sewage water as an irrigation source for vegetable cultivation. However, urban sewage water contains a sufficient amount of heavy metals which can easily damage soil, crops and affect human health. The present study compared the concentrations of toxic metals including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) lead, (Pb) and cobalt (Co) in radish and soil irrigated with sewage water (SW) versus canal water (CW). The results showed that the SW contains a significant number of heavy metals e.g., Cu (1.735 mg/kg), Fe (3.775 mg/kg), Zn (1.885 mg/kg), Mn (0.375 mg/kg), Cd (0.044 mg/kg), Co (0.05 mg/kg), Pb (0.062 mg/kg), and Mo (0.07 mg/kg), leading to increase the accumulation in the radish and soil by increasing their permissible limits. The irrigation water sources also have the potential to affect soil physicochemical properties and proximate composition of the radish. The sewage water irrigation notably increased salinity, nutrients, and soil organic matter, however it also increased the contamination risks. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Bio-concentration Factor (BCF) metrics revealed that sewage water has substantial adverse health impacts due to high metal contamination. There is an urgent need to adopt the innovative management strategies to improve the irrigation water sources to prevent soil health threats from metal pollution.

This study investigated the potential risks of cadmium (Cd) toxicity in buffaloes grazing on forages that were cultivated in soils irrigated by various sources of wastewater. The absorption of trace metals (TM) by plants and their subsequent entry into the food chain pose a significant danger to grazing animals through the accumulation of contaminated fodder. The mean concentration of Cd in the water ranged from 0.18–1.78 mg/L, in the soil 0.63 to 1.87 mg/kg, in the forage 0.20 to 1.32 mg/kg, and in the blood 0.26 to 1.98 mg/L. Among all three sites, canal water (CW Site I), groundwater (GW Site II), and sewage water (SW Site III), the concentration factor (CF) values were below the threshold of 1 (CF < 1), indicating the nominal environmental concern regarding Cd contents in the soil-plant interface. In addition, a prominent variation was noticed in the transfer factor (TF) of Cd across different sites, with the highest TF observed in Avena sativa L. at SW Site III (0.8) and the lowest in Pennisetum glaucum L. at CW Site I (0.27). Furthermore, the hazard quotient (HQ) exhibited a substantial fluctuation, ranging from 0.39 to 2.6, reflecting varying levels of potential health risks associated with Cd exposure. The outcomes of the current investigation suggested that the prominent increase in Cd levels was recorded at sampling site SW Site III due to continuous wastewater irrigation. Prolonged exposure and increased Cd absorption in buffaloes grazing at these sites could have harmful long-term effects on their health. The correlation analysis between Cd concentrations in water, soil, forage, and blood showed a positive but non-significant relationship for water-soil, soil-forage, and forage-blood interactions. This highlights the need for further research to assess the long-term implications of wastewater irrigation on heavy metal accumulation in livestock.

This study examines the effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) amendments on molybdenum (Mo) concentrations in both soil and vegetables in two growing years. Three MSW treatments were tested, i.e., 25% MSW + 75% garden soil (T1), 50% MSW + 50% garden soil (T2), and 75% MSW + 25% garden soil (T3), with a control treatment of 100% garden soil (T0). Fifteen vegetable species were cultivated to evaluate Mo uptake and bioaccumulation. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Bioaccumulation Factor (BCF) values confirmed the impact of MSW on Mo accumulation in both soil and vegetables, with Allium cepa and Mentha arvensis showing greater sensitivity to Mo contamination. Health risk assessments revealed that vegetables grown in MSW-amended soils, especially Allium cepa at T3 Year-1, had higher Daily Intake of Metal (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) values compared to those grown in the control soil. The analysis of molybdenum concentrations in blood samples taken from people of various localities added a human health aspect to the study. This study highlights the potential of MSW compost in increasing Mo bioavailability and the implications for human health through vegetable consumption, emphasizing the need to carefully monitor Mo levels in MSW-amended soils.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital crop that feeds approximately 30% of the global population.Its production is increasingly challenged by rust diseases, including stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp.tritici), leaf rust (Puccinia triticina), and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp.tritici).Despite their prevalence, many farmers lack awareness of economical and non-toxic treatments.A susceptible wheat variety (Morocco) was treated with aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Nicotiana tabacum, Syzygium cumini, and Eucalyptus globulus.Positive (Nativo) and negative (untreated) controls were included in the study.A. indica and N. tabacum effectively induced host resistance to leaf rust. A. indica at 50% concentration achieved the highest disease control (77.66%) compared to the positive control (73.66%) and negative control (0%).Disease severity was the highest in negative control (96%), followed by the E. globulus and S. cumini treatments (70.67% and 19.46%, respectively).No phytotoxicity was observed in the treated crops.Plant-based extracts can serve as natural, sustainable treatments to inhibit rust.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital crop that feeds approximately 30% of the global population.Its production is increasingly challenged by rust diseases, including stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp.tritici), leaf rust (Puccinia triticina), and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp.tritici).Despite their prevalence, many farmers lack awareness of economical and non-toxic treatments.A susceptible wheat variety (Morocco) was treated with aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Nicotiana tabacum, Syzygium cumini, and Eucalyptus globulus.Positive (Nativo) and negative (untreated) controls were included in the study.A. indica and N. tabacum effectively induced host resistance to leaf rust. A. indica at 50% concentration achieved the highest disease control (77.66%) compared to the positive control (73.66%) and negative control (0%).Disease severity was the highest in negative control (96%), followed by the E. globulus and S. cumini treatments (70.67% and 19.46%, respectively).No phytotoxicity was observed in the treated crops.Plant-based extracts can serve as natural, sustainable treatments to inhibit rust.

Freshwater resources are continuously depleting over time due to the combination of various climatic, political and anthropogenic factors. The freshwater shortage has compelled farmers to use sewage water as an irrigation source for vegetable cultivation. However, urban sewage water contains a sufficient amount of heavy metals which can easily damage soil, crops and affect human health. The present study compared the concentrations of toxic metals including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) lead, (Pb) and cobalt (Co) in radish and soil irrigated with sewage water (SW) versus canal water (CW). The results showed that the SW contains a significant number of heavy metals e.g., Cu (1.735 mg/kg), Fe (3.775 mg/kg), Zn (1.885 mg/kg), Mn (0.375 mg/kg), Cd (0.044 mg/kg), Co (0.05 mg/kg), Pb (0.062 mg/kg), and Mo (0.07 mg/kg), leading to increase the accumulation in the radish and soil by increasing their permissible limits. The irrigation water sources also have the potential to affect soil physicochemical properties and proximate composition of the radish. The sewage water irrigation notably increased salinity, nutrients, and soil organic matter, however it also increased the contamination risks. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Bio-concentration Factor (BCF) metrics revealed that sewage water has substantial adverse health impacts due to high metal contamination. There is an urgent need to adopt the innovative management strategies to improve the irrigation water sources to prevent soil health threats from metal pollution.

The contamination of various forage types with augmented concentrations of metal components carries substantial hygienic importance, as it functions as the principal pathway for the assimilation of these constituents into the food web. The purpose of this research was to explore the possible impacts on health hazards linked to cadmium contamination via diverse metrics within the food web, stemming from the ingestion of regularly consumed forages grown on polluted sites in the proximity of district Khushab, Pakistan. Specimens of water ( n = 100), forages ( n = 240), soil ( n = 240), ruminant’s blood ( n = 100) and milk ( n = 100) were procured from two distinct locations; Chabeel (S_1) & Nalli Shumali (S_2) in the winter and summer of 2023-24, and were scrutinized for cadmium levels utilizing an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The average levels of cadmium ranged from 0.09 to 0.58 mg kg −1 , 0.04–1.02 mg kg −1 , 0.21-1.25mg L −1 , 0.17–2.98 mg L −1 , 0.68–4.68 mg L −1 , 0.24–1.25 mg L −1 , and 0.15–0.96 mg L −1 in soil, forages, water, cows’ blood, buffaloes’ blood, cows’ milk, and buffaloes’ milk, accordingly. Highly significantly perfect positive strong correlation was detected between the water of S_1 vs. soil of S_2 during the winter season. In animals, the maximum cadmium concentrations were appraised in blood, whereas minimum in milk. The following indices values; BCF, EF, Eri, HRI, and THQ were > 1 indicating health hazard consequences of cadmium for consumers during both seasons at both sites of study region. The assessment and continual monitoring of the concentrations of conceivably detrimental heavy metals and metalloids in diverse environmental constituents and the indigenous biota is of utmost significance. In the future, it is imperative to strongly support the consistent monitoring of noxious metal levels in the verdant expanse encircling polluted areas.

Arsenic (As) contamination is a major health problem that exists worldwide. The accumulation of toxic metals in the surrounding soils of advanced industrial and agricultural sectors has the potential to degrade the ecosystem. All the soil and vegetable samples contaminated with different water sources were collected from three districts, namely, Jhang, Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh. All samples were digested via the wet digestion method . Water, soil, vegetable, and human blood samples were analyzed to determine the concentration of arsenic via an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The As content was greater in the soil (0.53–22.311 mg/kg) and vegetable (0.291–1.796 mg/kg) samples collected from Site 3, which were treated with wastewater. The As concentration ranged from 0.02444 to 2.287 mg/L in the blood serum. The potential health risks were evaluated by applying various indices, such as the accumulation factor, single pollution index, enrichment factor, estimated daily intake and target hazard quotient of arsenic. C esculenta presented the highest values for the accumulation factor (0.756) and enrichment factor (3.134). The study revealed a target hazard quotient (THQ) exceeding 2 at several sites, posing potential health risks. Leafy vegetables irrigated with wastewater accumulated arsenic above permissible limits due to soil contamination . However, arsenic contamination can have a direct impact on soil, metal uptake by vegetables and human health. The study highlights that human activities have intensified metal pollution in the area, necessitating immediate cessation of such practices. Environmentally friendly wastewater management methods should be implemented, and regular monitoring of toxic metals in water, soil, and vegetables is crucial to prevent excessive arsenic accumulation.

The freshwater shortage and increased domestic effluents have led the farmers to utilize untreated sewage water for irrigation, owing to population growth and urbanization in Pakistan. Though sewage water contains essential plant nutrients, it is also a foremost source of metal contamination within the food chain. This study aimed to compare heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cr) contamination in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) grown in soils irrigated with sewage water, tube well water, and canal water in Sillanwali and Sargodha of Punjab, Pakistan. The areas were evaluated for heavy metal contamination using soil quality indices, including contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), estimated daily intake (EDI), and hazard quotient (HQ), which were duly computed for the collected samples. The physicochemical properties of the soil and water samples were also analyzed. The results indicated that the sewage-irrigated areas are more vulnerable to risk concerning metal contamination than those located along canals. Metal concentrations in sewage-irrigated areas were significantly higher in the edible parts of the vegetables; sewage water contained and transferred more metals than canal water; hence, it poses increased health and ecological risks. Peak concentrations were observed at site SW1 (sewage water, site 1) and were the lowest at site TW2 (tube well water irrigation, site 2). Since all metal index values fell below 1, it shows that all metal concentrations were within permissible limits.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital crop that feeds approximately 30% of the global population.Its production is increasingly challenged by rust diseases, including stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp.tritici), leaf rust (Puccinia triticina), and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp.tritici).Despite their prevalence, many farmers lack awareness of economical and non-toxic treatments.A susceptible wheat variety (Morocco) was treated with aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Nicotiana tabacum, Syzygium cumini, and Eucalyptus globulus.Positive (Nativo) and negative (untreated) controls were included in the study.A. indica and N. tabacum effectively induced host resistance to leaf rust. A. indica at 50% concentration achieved the highest disease control (77.66%) compared to the positive control (73.66%) and negative control (0%).Disease severity was the highest in negative control (96%), followed by the E. globulus and S. cumini treatments (70.67% and 19.46%, respectively).No phytotoxicity was observed in the treated crops.Plant-based extracts can serve as natural, sustainable treatments to inhibit rust.

The contamination of various forage types with augmented concentrations of metal components carries substantial hygienic importance, as it functions as the principal pathway for the assimilation of these constituents into the food web. The purpose of this research was to explore the possible impacts on health hazards linked to cadmium contamination via diverse metrics within the food web, stemming from the ingestion of regularly consumed forages grown on polluted sites in the proximity of district Khushab, Pakistan. Specimens of water ( n = 100), forages ( n = 240), soil ( n = 240), ruminant’s blood ( n = 100) and milk ( n = 100) were procured from two distinct locations; Chabeel (S_1) & Nalli Shumali (S_2) in the winter and summer of 2023-24, and were scrutinized for cadmium levels utilizing an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The average levels of cadmium ranged from 0.09 to 0.58 mg kg −1 , 0.04–1.02 mg kg −1 , 0.21-1.25mg L −1 , 0.17–2.98 mg L −1 , 0.68–4.68 mg L −1 , 0.24–1.25 mg L −1 , and 0.15–0.96 mg L −1 in soil, forages, water, cows’ blood, buffaloes’ blood, cows’ milk, and buffaloes’ milk, accordingly. Highly significantly perfect positive strong correlation was detected between the water of S_1 vs. soil of S_2 during the winter season. In animals, the maximum cadmium concentrations were appraised in blood, whereas minimum in milk. The following indices values; BCF, EF, Eri, HRI, and THQ were > 1 indicating health hazard consequences of cadmium for consumers during both seasons at both sites of study region. The assessment and continual monitoring of the concentrations of conceivably detrimental heavy metals and metalloids in diverse environmental constituents and the indigenous biota is of utmost significance. In the future, it is imperative to strongly support the consistent monitoring of noxious metal levels in the verdant expanse encircling polluted areas.

The zinc concentration was evaluated in soil amended with municipal solid waste (MSW) as well as in vegetables. This work consists of two sets of observations. The research aimed to assess the potential contamination of vegetables with Zn and its implications for human health upon consumption. All the species that were studied had Zn concentrations that were below the phytotoxic limit. In Y 1 , Cucurbita pepo , Allium cepa , and Lycopersican esculentum showed consistent increases in both DIM (daily intake of metals) and HRI (health risk index) over the treatment periods, indicating a positive response to the applied treatments. Among all the treatments, Luffa acutangula and A. cepa had the greatest DIM and HRI values in Y 2 . Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of Zn dynamics in vegetable crops under different soil conditions and underscores the importance of sustainable waste management practices to ensure food safety and human health.

The freshwater shortage and increased domestic effluents have led the farmers to utilize untreated sewage water for irrigation, owing to population growth and urbanization in Pakistan. Though sewage water contains essential plant nutrients, it is also a foremost source of metal contamination within the food chain. This study aimed to compare heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cr) contamination in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) grown in soils irrigated with sewage water, tube well water, and canal water in Sillanwali and Sargodha of Punjab, Pakistan. The areas were evaluated for heavy metal contamination using soil quality indices, including contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), estimated daily intake (EDI), and hazard quotient (HQ), which were duly computed for the collected samples. The physicochemical properties of the soil and water samples were also analyzed. The results indicated that the sewage-irrigated areas are more vulnerable to risk concerning metal contamination than those located along canals. Metal concentrations in sewage-irrigated areas were significantly higher in the edible parts of the vegetables; sewage water contained and transferred more metals than canal water; hence, it poses increased health and ecological risks. Peak concentrations were observed at site SW1 (sewage water, site 1) and were the lowest at site TW2 (tube well water irrigation, site 2). Since all metal index values fell below 1, it shows that all metal concentrations were within permissible limits.