Heavy metals contamination and mitigation through biochemical approach

Characterization of heavy metals and its biochemical mitigation approach were tested in sewage irrigated soils in three adjoining village (Kalupur, Basantpur and Mathurapur) of Nathnagar block (Bhagalpur district). In Kalupur village, the value of DTPA-Cd, Pb and As content in surface soils varied from 0.08 to 0.48, 0.37 to 6.35 and 0.11 to 0.55 mg kg-1. Similarly, in Basantpur village, 0.09 to 1.41,1.50 to 6.83, and 0.17 to 0.68 mg kg-1. In Mathurapur village, 0.08 to 2.55, 1.92 to 6.35 and 0.11 to 0.37 mg kg-1, respectively in similar line with DTPA-Cd, Pb and As content in respective village of the study areas. The mitigation approach of heavy metals viz., As, Cd and Pb through biochemical washing technique in test crops (Cabbage, Spinach and Cauliflower) at a distance of 50 m, 150 m, and 400 m revealed that the maximum reduction of heavy metals was observed when the leaf samples were washed with 8% ginger solution.