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Heavy Metals on the Plate: Soil-to-Vegetable Contamination and Health Risk in Bangladesh

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Koushik Biswas Arko
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
A.k.m Tamim Rahman
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Md. Mainul Islam
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Supervisors
Md. Mortuza Ahmmed
Associate Professor, Faculty, FST

Abstract

To determine the levels, sources and health risks of heavy metals present in soils and vegetables from the Pakshi region of Bangladesh. Soil and edible (grazing parts) were taken from eight different and popular vegetables in the Pakshi region, Bangladesh. The concentrations of Ni, Cd, Cr, Co, Pb, As, Hg, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe were analyzed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry and compared to numerous international permissible limits. The exceedances and health risks were assessed via exceedances rates and hazard quotient calculations. In the study area, soils demonstrated elevated concentration of As and Fe in all sites assessed. Co, Pb, Mn, and Zn exceeded permissible limits in select locations. Leafy vegetables showed greater accumulation of Pb that exceeded international maximum limits in all areas tested. Other metals were in general below limits that were considered okay, with the exception of some isolated Cd and Cr exceedances. Hazard index analysis of the local consumers categorized them at increased risk for non-carcinogenic health effects, especially relating to exposure from Pb and Cr and determined children were more vulnerable than adults. Variability in spatial distribution suggests potential industrial and agricultural contributions. The detection of Pb values above the safe limit for all sampled vegetables and sporadic exceedances above the safe limit for Cd and Cr, poses a serious issue for the community that lives near Pakshi. Routine monitoring, specific top-down remediation practices, and awareness raising programs need to be put in place to avoid heavy metal bio-accumulation in the food chain and to protect the community.

Keywords

Heavy metals Soil contamination Vegetables Bangladesh Human health risk Lead.

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication:
  • Conference Name: 6th International Conference on Physics for Sustainable Development and Technology (ICPSDT)-2025
  • Date of Conference: 29/10/2025 - 29/10/2025
  • Venue: Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram-4349, Bangladesh
  • Organizer: Department of Physics, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology (CUET), Chattogram, Bangladesh.
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