Determination of Concentration of Heavy Metals in Fruits, Vegetables, Groundwater, and Soil Samples of the Cement Industry and Nearby Communities and Assessment of Associated Health Risks

This study was conducted to estimate the heavy metal pollution in groundwater, soil, fruits, and vegetables within cement industry its vicinity. Seven different fruits seven metals (Cd, Zn, Ni, Co, Cu, Cr, Mn) were selected for analysis fruit, vegetable samples by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results of this compared with National International Standards Pak NSWQD, WHO, USEPA. The pH soil groundwater limits (WHO NSDWQ standards are 6.5–8.5). concentration Cr Cu above WHO (Cr = 0.05 ppm; 2 ppm). Vegetable contaminated except Ni Mn, whereas, fruit samples, Mn Cd not present limit 5 mean high 10 ppm), Zn 100 36 results daily intake (DIM) vegetables, TDI USEPA PTDI WHO/FAO, all recommended limits. Calculated BAF environmental sample, that is, Indian Squash, lime so on, order Co > THQ; HRI calculated human health risk, they a trend Cr.