Analysis for The Accumulation of Arsenic in Wheat Crop by Arsenic Rich Soil and Irrigated Water, Punjab Plains of Pakistan

Abstract

The main elements that deteriorate the quality of water are heavy metals, metalloids and pathogens. Arsenic which is a carcinogen is a main issue which has affected the quality of water in whole world along with Asia. In Pakistan, Punjab plains are at the risk of Arsenic especially flood plains of Ravi. The objective of current study is to evaluate bioaccumulation potential of Arsenic in Wheat crop through Arsenic contaminated soil and water. The study area is Narowal and its vicinity in Punjab plains of Pakistan. Samples of irrigation water from tube wells, soil from crop fields and related wheat samples were taken. Number of samples of water and soil was 40 each. Sampling technique for water and wheat was simple random sampling while for soil the technique was systematic sampling. 1-kilogram wheat sample was taken. Water samples were analyzed in filed through Arsenic Kit method and in laboratory through Atomic Absorption Spectrum. Soil and wheat samples were washed and digested in laboratory before. Statistical analysis was performed through MS-EXCEL. The results revealed that as the distance of Narowal villages was increased from River Ravi, the concentration of Arsenic in irrigation water, soil and related wheat crops was decreased. Moreover, the Arsenic content is present in following sequence as irrigation water>soil>wheat grains. There is a noticeable quantity of Arsenic in Punjab plains which was confirmed with the research.