Impact of heavy metals on Human Health transfer from Agricultural Soil to Wheat and Sugarcane in Haryana, India

Soil and irrigation water of Haryana contains high concentrations of heavy metals. Crops like Triticum aestivum L. (Wheat) and Saccharum officinarum L. are more prone to heavy metal accumulation from soil and water. Our analysis of soil, water, and crop samples revealed a widespread presence of heavy metals that were being absorbed and accumulated in the edible parts of both crops. A total of three hundred twenty samples were analysed for heavy metals using atomic absorption spectroscopy. We found alarmingly high concentrations, with Zinc reaching up to 709.75 mg/kg in sugarcane juice and 348 mg/kg in wheat grains. The results highlight significant public health concerns. The calculated non-carcinogenic Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for Lead and Cadmium far exceeded the safety threshold of 1, indicating a clear risk to local consumers. For example, the HQ for Lead was found to be as high as 112.6 billion in sugarcane juice, while the HQ for Cadmium was 378.4 billion in wheat grains. These findings, when viewed alongside previous research, suggest a worsening trend of heavy metal contamination in the region's agricultural areas, posing a direct threat to food security and human health. The study underscores the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to address these issues. Implementing consistent environmental monitoring and promoting sustainable farming practices is an essential next step to mitigate the transfer of heavy metals into the food chain and protect the health of the population.