Assessment of heavy metal contaminations in irrigation water, soils, and onions in the Isser and Zemmouri Regions, Algeria

Younes Mohamed  Aksouh; Amal  Rabahi; Nadjib  Benosmane

doi:10.59400/jts2216

Younes Mohamed Aksouh Laboratory of Treatment and Shape of Polymers, University M’Hamed Bougara of Boumerdes, Boumerdes 35000, Algeria
Amal Rabahi Laboratory of applied organic chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, Bab Ezzouar 16111, Algeria
Nadjib Benosmane Laboratory of applied organic chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, Bab Ezzouar 16111, Algeria; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University M’hamed Bougara of Boumerdes, Boumerdes 35000, Algeria

Article ID: 2216

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59400/jts2216

Keywords: heavy metals; soil contamination; vegetables; AAS; health risk

Abstract

This study investigates heavy metal contamination in irrigation water, soil, and onion (Allium cepa L.) samples from the Isser and Zemmouri regions of Boumerdes, Algeria, to assess potential health risks from consuming these vegetables. The analysis focused on both essential and toxic heavy metals, including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni). Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was employed for accurate quantification, and results were compared with FAO/WHO 2001 standards. Elevated copper (0.72 mg/L) and zinc (0.19 mg/L) levels were detected in Isser’s irrigation water, while Zemmouri’s water contained near-threshold concentrations of nickel (0.18 mg/L), chromium (0.09 mg/L), and copper (0.14 mg/L). Soil contamination was observed at both sites, with Isser showing high Cu (68.41 mg/kg), Zn (62.12 mg/kg), and Pb (71.63 mg/kg) levels, while Zemmouri exceeded limits for Pb (64.32 mg/kg) and Ni (11.21 mg/kg). In onion bulbs, Isser showed elevated chromium (3.1 mg/kg) and lead (0.31 mg/kg), while Zemmouri exhibited high zinc (11.34 mg/kg) and iron (43.76 mg/kg) levels in leaves. These findings indicate significant health risks associated with onion consumption from these regions, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and management of water quality and agricultural practices.

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