ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN AGRICULTURAL SOIL NEAR INDUSTRIAL AREAS AND ITS REMEDIATION USING PHYTOREMEDIATION

The present study on “Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Agricultural Soil Near Industrial Areas and Its Remediation Using Phytoremediation” clearly highlights the growing environmental concern associated with industrial pollution and its impact on agricultural lands. Based on detailed field investigation, laboratory analysis, and experimental evaluation, it is evident that the agricultural soils located near the MIDC Kalmeshwar industrial area in Nagpur are significantly affected by heavy metal contamination. The analysis of soil samples reveals that heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) are present in concentrations exceeding the permissible limits in most cases. This indicates that continuous industrial activities, including effluent discharge, vehicular emissions, and atmospheric deposition, are major contributors to soil pollution in the study area. The physicochemical analysis of soil shows slightly alkaline pH, moderate electrical conductivity, and low organic matter content, which influence the mobility and availability of heavy metals in soil. The depth-wise distribution of metals demonstrates that the highest concentration is present in the surface layer (0–15 cm), suggesting direct exposure to pollution sources. The concentration decreases with increasing depth, indicating limited vertical migration of metals. However, long-term accumulation may eventually pose a threat to deeper soil layers and groundwater resources. The calculated contamination indices, such as Contamination Factor (CF) and Pollution Index (PI), confirm that the soil falls under moderate to high contamination categories, highlighting the severity of pollution in the region. The study also emphasizes the adverse effects of heavy metal contamination on soil health, crop productivity, and human well-being. The presence of toxic metals in soil reduces microbial activity, disturbs nutrient balance, and affects plant growth. Moreover, the transfer of heavy metals from soil to plants and subsequently to humans through the food chain poses serious health risks, including kidney damage, neurological disorders, and carcinogenic effects. A significant outcome of this research is the evaluation of phytoremediation as a sustainable and eco-friendly remediation technique. The experimental results demonstrate that selected plant species, particularly Helianthus annuus (sunflower) and Brassica juncea (mustard), show high efficiency in removing heavy metals from contaminated soil. Sunflower exhibits the highest removal efficiency, followed by mustard, while vetiver grass is effective in stabilizing contaminants within the root zone. These findings confirm that phytoremediation is a practical, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable solution for managing soil contamination, especially in large agricultural areas where conventional methods are not feasible.

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