Arabian Journal of Geosciences, cilt.14, sa.8, 2021 (SCI-Expanded)
The present research was performed to examine and compare the level of heavy metals in ginger (Zingiber officinale) irrigated with canal water and wastewater. Soil and vegetable samples were collected from two different areas irrigated with multiple water sources. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for evaluation of metals, zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), and chromium (Cr). The metal accumulations in soil samples were ranged from 0.09 to 6.01 mg/kg. The metal accumulations in plant samples were ranged from 0.15 to 6.14 mg/kg. The Fe was found to be the heavy metal with the highest accumulation value in both sampling sites. The bioconcentration factor for Pb was highest at Site 1 and the lowest for Zn at Site 2. Pollution load index greater than one was obtained for Cr and Cd at both sites. Health risk index for all heavy metals was lower than 1 except for Pb and found in the following sequence: Pb>Ni>Cu>Cd>Fe>Zn>Cr>Co>Mn. Therefore, proper management strategies should be taken to reduce the extent of metal contamination in the food crop.