Fate of Lead (Pb) in vegetables and soil irrigated with sewage water

Vegetables are important part of food for all. Any contamination in vegetables would ultimately risk human life. The present study was conducted to evaluate the sewage water’s impact on soil and vegetables quality with respect to heavy metals in Lahore, Pakistan. Twenty five samples each of water, soil and vegetables leaves and edible portions were collected from 25 diverse localities around Lahore city. Water from River Ravi, polluted with sewage or waste water, was being used as irrigation source in these localities. The water and soil samples were analyzed for pH, EC and heavy metals (Lead). Some water samples had EC beyond the safe limit. The concentrations of Pb were found in toxic range. Almost all the soil samples had the heavy metals above the safe limit. The Di-ethylene Tri-amine Penta-acetic Acid (DTPA) extract-able Pb of soil had non-significant correlation with that of the irrigation water. Pb was exceeding the safe limit in the leaves samples. The concentration of Pb in edible portions was also above the safe limit. The results indicated that the vegetables tested were not safe for human use, especially those directly consumed by human beings.