ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALLIC TOXICITY IN CONTAMINATED SOIL AND VEGGIES IRRIGATED WITH SEWAGE EFFLUENT IN SIKAR DISTRICT

Abstract

Abstract- The Sikar District in Rajasthan, India, is currently facing a severe environmental crisis due to the agricultural use of sewage effluent, which contains heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, sourced from domestic and industrial origins (Dhaka et al., 2023; Shyam et al., 2011). This practice has become common in the region due to water scarcity and the lack of alternative irrigation sources. Heavy metals introduced into the soil tend to persist and accumulate over time, as they tightly bind to soil particles through adsorption, making remediation challenging (Dhaka et al., 2023). Consequently, the levels of heavy metals in the soil have continued to rise, leading to potential health hazards. The proposed research will beencompass a wide range of sampling sites, accounting for variations in irrigation practices, soil types, and crop varieties. Advanced analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry should be employed to accurately measure heavy metal concentrations in soil and vegetables (Dhaka et al., 2023).