Computing the Parametric Geo-Accumulation and Ecological Risk Indices of Some Heavy Metals along Charsadda-Peshawar Road, Pakistan

Abstract

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 study is 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 esculentus and 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 the indices for the Cd metal found to be of more concern 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 with one another indicating multiple and somewhat similar sources of pollution.