Impact of Industrially Affected Soil on Human: a Soil-human and Soil-plant-human Assessment

Abstract Present study was sketched to estimate the level of heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, As and Pb) in the industrially affected soil, their source apportionment, degree of pollution and estimation of probable health risk by direct soil exposure and via dietary intake of vegetables grown in the affected soil. Mean concentrations of Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, As and Pb was found 61.27, 27274, 42.36, 9.77, 28.08 and 13.69 and 0.53, 119.59, 9.76, 7.14, 1.34 and 2.69 mg/kg for affected soil and vegetable samples, respectively. The origin of Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb were found lithogenic, while Cr and As were anthropogenic. A moderate enrichment was noted by Cr, As, and Pb in the entire sampling site, indicating a progressive depletion of soil quality. Bioaccumulation factor (BCF) value for all the vegetables were recorded BCF<1; however Metal pollution index (MPI) value stipulate a pretty high value in the vegetable samples. Health effect on account of direct exposure of contaminated soils manifested more hazardous than dietary intake of heavy metal contaminated vegetables and children were found more vulnerable receptors compare to adults. However, this study can be used as a reference towards similar types of study to evaluate heavy metal contaminated soil impact on the population of Bangladesh and other countries as well.