Detection and Analysis of Cadmium Prevalence in Soil-Water Matrices of Industrial Settings of Delhi: Bioavailability and Geochemical Study

Cadmium (Cd) is a persistent, carcinogenic and toxic heavy metal possessing analogous physicochemical characteristics to calcium, can displace it in ecological systems, enabling it to infiltrate the food chain through contaminated soil/water. Since the irresponsible discharge of effluents through industries is prominent, it necessitates detecting the prevalence of Cd in such ecosystems. This study focuses on detecting Cd prevalence in industrial areas of New Delhi, India using geochemical and bioavailability analysis. Soil and effluent water samples from 12 industrial locations were analyzed using a sequential extraction approach for detecting Cd prevalence. The outcomes revealed the average Cd quantity surpasses the WHO recommended limit i.e. (1.1 ± 0.3 mg K −1 g −1 ) and (2.1 ± 0.4 mg K −1 g −1 ), (1.2 ± 0.3 mg K −1 g −1 ) and (2.2 ± 0.7 mg K −1 g −1 ), and (1.1 ± 0.2 mg K −1 g −1 ) and (2.1 ± 0.4 mg K −1 g −1 ) for soil and effluent in Bawana, Kasana and Okhla, respectively. The pollution index for Cd surpassed the maximum allowed level of 1 at all locations. Besides, the estimated contamination metrics, including the geo-accumulation index (>1), heavy metal pollution index (>13), contamination factor (>7), and degree of contamination index (>20), are highly alarming. These findings emphasize the critical necessity for targated remediation approaches and rigorous regulatory measures to address Cd contamination. Managing this issue is crucial for protecting the sustainability of the environment, minimizing human health risks, and maintaining the core the principles of the One Health framework, which highlights the interrelation of environmental, animal, and human health.