Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Agricultural Soil Around Industrial Zones of Kanpur

The rapid industrialization of Kanpur, one of India's major industrial hub has led to significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding soil contamination in adjacent agricultural zones. This study assesses the concentration and distribution of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and arsenic (As)—in agricultural soils located around the industrial periphery of Kanpur. Soil samples were collected from multiple sites in proximity to leather tanning, textile, and chemical industries, and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The study underscores the urgent need for environmental monitoring, implementation of stringent industrial waste management practices and remediation strategies to safeguard soil health and agricultural productivity in the region. Heavy metals in most samples, with concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Cd significantly exceeding the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The continuous discharge of untreated or partially treated industrial effluents has led to the accumulation of toxic metals in agricultural soils, which poses serious threats to soil health, crop productivity and food safety. This study emphasizes the urgent need for regular environmental monitoring, adoption of cleaner production technologies by industries, and implementation of sustainable soil remediation techniques. Key Words-Heavy metals, Agricultural soil, Industrial areas, World Health Organization (WHO)