Heavy metals assay of herbal pharmaceutical effluent

Abstract

Environmental pollution particularly from heavy metals in effluent is the gravest problem in developing countries like Pakistan. Effluents of Herbal Pharmaceutical are waste water generated during Herbal Medicines manufacturing process. When these effluents deprived of appropriate treatment are released directly into the environment, results in potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. This research work examined the heavy metals parameters of effluents discharged by Herbal pharmaceutical industry in Karachi, Pakistan. In all, 08 parameters were studied. These include Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag and Pb. The study revealed that ranges of Ag and Fe were exceeding the allowable limit of WHO (World Health Organization) and NEQS (National Environmental Quality Standards). This calls for an immediate use of latest treatment plants to decrease the harmfulness that results from waste water.