نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسنده
استادیار گروه محیطزیست، دانشکده منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه سمنان، سمنان، ایران.
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسنده [English]
Water scarcity has become a major environmental challenge, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The reuse of treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation is increasingly adopted as an alternative source to conserve freshwater resources. However, this practice may lead to the accumulation of heavy metals in soil and crops, posing potential health risks to humans. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in soils and wheat irrigated with treated wastewater in Rey County, southern Tehran, Iran; to evaluate their bioaccumulation and transfer within the soil–wheat system; and to assess associated human health risks. Samples of surface soil (0–15 cm) and wheat (roots, stems, and grains) were collected from ten fields irrigated with effluent from the South Tehran Wastewater Treatment Plant. Metal concentrations were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry following acid digestion. Bio-concentration factor (BCF), transfer factor (TF), and health risk indices were calculated using USEPA guidelines. Results showed that nitrate and Cd levels in wastewater exceeded FAO/WHO and national standards, while Ni was above the FAO/WHO limit. Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb concentrations in wheat grains exceeded permissible limits, although Zn remained within safe ranges. BCF and TF values were below 1, indicating limited metal translocation to grains. Health risk indices (HI > 1) revealed potential non-carcinogenic risks for both adults and children, with higher vulnerability in children. Continuous monitoring of wastewater and soil quality and the use of low metal-accumulating wheat cultivars are recommended to ensure food safety.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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