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

Author

Listed:
  • Noman Adil

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54590, Pakistan)

  • Kamran Ashraf

    (Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China)

  • Masooma Munir

    (Mountain Agricultural Research Centre (MARC), Gilgit Baltistan, Gilgit 15500, Pakistan)

  • Muhammad Mohiuddin

    (Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Private Limited, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan)

  • Asim Abbasi

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohsar University Murree, Murree 47150, Pakistan)

  • Umair Riaz

    (Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan 60000, Pakistan)

  • Asad Aslam

    (Key Laboratory for Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China)

  • Samy A. Marey

    (King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Ashraf Atef Hatamleh

    (Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Qamar uz Zaman

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54590, Pakistan)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Noman Adil & Kamran Ashraf & Masooma Munir & Muhammad Mohiuddin & Asim Abbasi & Umair Riaz & Asad Aslam & Samy A. Marey & Ashraf Atef Hatamleh & Qamar uz Zaman, 2023. "Pesticides, Heavy Metals and Plasticizers: Contamination and Risk Assessment of Drinking-Water Quality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:17:p:13263-:d:1232723
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Caspah Kamunda & Manny Mathuthu & Morgan Madhuku, 2016. "Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils from Witwatersrand Gold Mining Basin, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-11, June.
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