Computing the Parametric Geo-Accumulation and Ecological Risk Indices of SomeHeavy Metals alongCharsadda-Peshawar Road, Pakistan

• Published in: International Journal of Economic and Environment Geology Vol. 10; no. 3; pp. 109 - 117
• Main Author: Fiza Sarwar, Zufishan Anjum, Noor Fatima, Muhammad Jahangir Khan, S. Umair Ullah Jamil, Faryal Mansoor, Aansa Rukya Saleem
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Society of Economic Geologists and Mineral Technologists 01.11.2019
• Subjects: geoaccumulation; heavy metals; pollution; risk; roadside dust; urbanization
• ISSN: 2223-957X; 2223-957X

Charsadda to Peshawar road is characterized with diverse surrounding environment of residential settlements, industrial zones, commercial and agricultural sectors along with heavy traffic route which is contributing to heavy metal pollution. This studyis focused on heavy metals:Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Lead (Pb) contribution to the atmospheric pollution level. The heavy metals pollution assessment is carried out by sample collection (soil dust samples and two vegetation species Cyperus esculentusand Cynodon dactylon) from ten sites along the road which were analyzed by using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Average values of pollution index (PI) as well as average value of pollution load index (PLI) for Cr, Cd and Pb in case of Cyperus esculentus,Cynodon dactylon and dust were calculated.Geo-accumulation index of roadside dust for Cr, Cd and Pb were estimated along with ecological risk due to roadside dust using potential ecological risk index (RI). The analyses of this study suggest that theindices for the Cd metal found to be of moreconcern than Cr or Pb which correspond to middle or low level of pollution. Statistical analysis revealed that the three metals had a weak to moderate relationship withone another indicating multiple and somewhat similar sourcesof pollution.