Pesticides, Heavy Metals and Plasticizers: Contamination and Risk Assessment of Drinking-Water Quality

Abstract

This study highlights the impact of formal agricultural practices and their adverse effect on the deterioration of underground water quality, with special emphasis on toxic elements, including pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, plasticizer accumulation and heavy-metal contamination. A comprehensive study was conducted at various recently developed societies of Sadiqabad that were formerly used for agricultural purposes. Ten various societies were selected, and three samples from each society were collected from different regions of these areas. Data regarding the physicochemical properties, metal contamination and accumulation of pesticide residues were determined using standard protocols. The results revealed that almost all the physicochemical properties of water samples selected from these sites were close to the WHO’s recommended limits. The range for physicochemical properties was pH (6.4–7.7), electrical conductivity (168–766 µ S cm−1), turbidity (6–17 NTU), total hardness (218–1030 mg L−1), chloride contents (130–870 mg L−1) and phosphate contents (2.55–5.11 mg L−1). Among heavy metals, lead and arsenic concentrations in all sampling sites were found to be above the recommended limits. The decreasing pattern in terms of water-quality deterioration with respect to physicochemical properties was FFT > USM > CRH > UCS > CHS > MAH > FFC > CGA > GIH > AGS. Overall, 95 different kinds of toxic elements, including pesticides, herbicides, plasticizer, etc., were detected in the groundwater samples. The toxic compounds in the groundwater were categorized into pesticides, herbicides, plasticizer, plant growth regulators, fungicides, acaricides and insecticides. Most of these parameters showed peak values at the Fatima Fertilizer Company area and Chief Residencia Housing Society. Pesticide contamination showed that water-filtration plants have a big positive impact on the drinking quality of water. Proper monitoring of the pesticides must be performed, as the majority of the pesticides showed low priority. The monitoring method of the pesticides needs to be updated so that the occurrence of recently authorized pesticides is demonstrated.

Accumulation of phytotoxic metals and metalloids in vegetable continuum subjected to different irrigation streams: a threat towards nutritional security

“…Modern agricultural practices including the increased application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have caused global agricultural pollution that is responsible for the deterioration of the ecosystem (Malik et al, 2017). Moreover, agro-ecosystem are also prone to heavy metals contamination due to wastewater irrigation, industrial by-products, and application of organic waste manure and sewage sludge (Khan et al, 2013;Srivastava et al, 2016;Sharma et al, 2017;Adil et al, 2023).…”

Removal of Heavy Metal Ions(Fe2+, Mn2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) on to Activated Carbon Prepared from Kashmiri Walnut Shell (Juglans regia)

“…These activities encompass diverse sectors such as mining operations and the discharge of both treated and untreated waste effluents containing toxic metals and their derivatives from industries including tanneries, steel plants, battery manufacturing units, and thermal power plants [1,2]. Furthermore, the indiscriminate utilization of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural practices exacerbates the degradation of water quality by amplifying heavy metal contamination, thereby engendering significant environmental and health concerns [3]. The deleterious effects of heavy metal toxicity extend to a spectrum of physiological and neurological impairments, including compromised mental and central nervous system functions, diminished energy levels, and damage to vital organs such as the lungs, kidneys, liver, and bloodstream [4].…”