Browsing by Author "Rajesh Kumar Sharma"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 55

Antioxidant Properties in Methanol Extract of Kernels of Commonly Marketed Indian Fruits
(Bellwether Publishing, Ltd., 2021) Indrajeet Kumar; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
In the present study, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the methanol extracts of kernels obtained from the selected fruits such as Mangifera indica, Citrus sinensis, Citrus limetta, Punica granatum, and Carica papaya commonly marketed in India and their antioxidant properties were studied. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in kernel extracts (measures in mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g fresh weight and mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g fresh weight, respectively) varied significantly with species (p <0.05) and ranged between 2.35–7.79 and 0.16–1.17, respectively. Antioxidant activities in kernel extract in terms of 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2, 2ʹ-Azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid and ferric reducing antioxidant power (expressed in µM ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g fresh weight) was found maximum in M. indica (102.8, 182.3 and 48.8, respectively) among the tested fruits. Cluster analysis based on biochemical attributes indicated that the kernel of M. indica is biochemically different from other kernels. Thus the present study concludes that the kernel of M. indica should be scaled up for industrial utilization as it possesses significantly higher antioxidant activities as compared to other kernels. © 2020 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Antioxidant properties, phenolics and flavonoids content of some economically important plants from North-west Indian Himalaya
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2022) Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Neha Sharma; Umesh Kumar; Sher Singh Samant
The present study investigated antioxidant properties, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in methanol extract of the leaf, stem bark, and fruit of Olea ferruginea Royle, Olea europaea L., and Tilia europaea L. grow naturally in the north-west Indian Himalaya. Phenolics and flavonoids content was found to be maximum in methanol extracts of stem bark and leaf (9.28 mg GAE/g fw and 14.73 mg QE/g fw, respectively) of O. ferruginea plants. Ferric reducing antioxidant power and DPPH radical scavenging activity were found to be maximum in leaf and stem bark (38.88 mM AAE/g fw and 20.31 mM AAE/g fw, respectively) of O. ferrugenia plants, whereas maximum ABTS radical scavenging activity (4.52 mM AAE/g fw) was recorded with stem bark of T. europaea plants. These tree species were found rich in natural compounds and also possess antioxidant activities. Therefore, their pharmaceutical and local uses for the health benefits are suggested. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Assessment of Antioxidant Potential of Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don, a Critically Endangered Medicinal Plant of Northwestern Indian Himalaya
(Springer, 2020) Rosy Kundra; Sher Singh Samant; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
Trillium govanianum (Nagchhatri) Wall ex D. Don, an economically important herbaceous medicinal plant of Indian Himalayan Region having anti-cancerous properties, is being commonly extracted by the local peoples for commercial purpose. In the present study, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the methanol extracts of rhizomes, stems and leaves of T. govanianum plants collected from different populations were quantified. The methanol extracts were further evaluated for its antioxidant potential using in vitro assay, namely DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. The results showed that total phenolic (mg GAE/g fw) and flavonoid (mg QE/g fw) contents ranged 0.77–2.72 and 1.31–2.56 in leaf, 0.06–0.64 and 0.15–0.97 in stem, and 0.32–0.80 and 0.28–0.32 in rhizome, respectively, among the studied populations. The results further showed that DPPH, ABTS and FRAP activities were maximum in the methanol extracts of rhizome (16.06 mMAAE/g fw), leaf (4.39 mMAAE/g fw) and stem (2.17 mMAAE/g fw) among the tested populations, respectively. Biochemical properties of this plant varied significantly due to location of population (P < 0.05). From this study, it can be concluded that the high-altitude population of tested plants could be used as a rich source of natural antioxidants and should be conserved by using conventional and biotechnological methods. © 2019, The National Academy of Sciences, India.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Distribution and Health Risk of Vegetable Crops Grown on Soils Amended with Municipal Solid Waste Compost for Sustainable Urban Agriculture
(MDPI, 2023) Pallavi Bhardwaj; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Abhishek Chauhan; Anuj Ranjan; Vishnu D. Rajput; Tatiana Minkina; Saglara S. Mandzhieva; Usha Mina; Shikha Wadhwa; Prakash Bobde; Ashutosh Tripathi
Rapid urbanization is one of the key factors that leads to defragmentation and the shrinking of agricultural land. It further leads to the generation of an ample amount of municipal waste. Several technologies have emerged in the past for its utilization, and in this regard, composting is one of the conventional approaches gaining popularity in modern agriculture. To overcome the possible criticality of intense urbanization, the concept of urban agriculture is taking shape. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) has been popularly explored for the soil amendments and nutritional requirements of crops. With this, the assessment of soil pollution (due to the heavy metals presently found in MSWC) is a required step for its safe application in agriculture. The present study aims at assessing the utilization of MSWC (in different ratios) to amend the soil and its impact on the growth and yield of brinjal (Solanum melongena), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The study also explored the uptake of heavy metals by plants and their risk to human consumption. The findings suggested that MSWC amendments upgraded the physio-chemical properties of soil, including organic matter (OM) and micronutrients, and increased the heavy metal concentrations in soil. Heavy metal analysis underlined the presence of several heavy metals both in soil and crops. Total metal concentration in soil increased with increased MSWC dosage. Concerning metal uptake by crop plants, 25% of MSWC was found to impart metal concentrations within permissible values in edible parts of crops. On the contrary, 50%, 75%, and 100% compost showed higher metal concentrations in the crops. A Health Risk Index (HRI) of less than 1 was found to be associated with soil amended with 25% MSWC. Our study implies that MSWC significantly improved the growth and yield of crops, and it can be considered an alternative to chemical fertilizer but only in a safer ratio (≤25%). However, further studies are required, especially on field conditions to validate the findings regarding metal accumulation. © 2023 by the authors.
Atmospheric deposition of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in Varanasi City, India
(2008) Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Madhoolika Agrawal; Fiona M. Marshall
Rapid growth in urbanization and industrialization in developing countries may significantly contribute in heavy metal contamination of vegetables through atmospheric depositions. In the present study, an assessment was made to investigate the spatial and seasonal variations in deposition rates of heavy metals and its contribution to contamination of palak (Beta vulgaris). Samples of bulk atmospheric deposits and Beta vulgaris for analysis of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were collected from different sampling locations differing in traffic density and land use patterns. The results showed that the sampling locations situated in industrial or commercial areas with heavy traffic load showed significantly elevated levels of Cu, Zn and Cd deposition rate as compared to those situated in residential areas with low traffic load. The deposition rates of Cu, Zn and Cd were significantly higher in summer and winter as compared to rainy season, however, Pb deposition rate was significantly higher in rainy and summer seasons as compared to winter season. Atmospheric depositions have significantly elevated the levels of heavy metals in B. vulgaris collected during evening as compared to those collected in morning hours. The study further showed that local population has maximum exposure to Cd contamination through consumption of B. vulgaris. The present study clearly points out the urban and industrial activities of a city have potential to elevate the levels of heavy metals in the atmospheric deposits, which may consequently contaminate the food chain and thus posing health risk to the local population. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007.
Biological effects of heavy metals: An overview
(Triveni Enterprises, 2005) Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Madhoolika Agrawal
Heavy metals constitute a very heterogeneous group of elements widely varied in their chemical properties and biological functions. Heavy metals are kept under environmental pollutant category due to their toxic effects on plants, animals and human being. Heavy metal contamination of soil results from anthropogenic as well as natural activities. Anthropogenic activities such as mining, smelting operation and agriculture have locally increased the levels of heavy metals such as Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, As and Ni in soil up to dangerous levels. Heavy metals are persistent in nature, therefore get accumulated in soils and plants. Heavy metals interfere with physiological activities of plants such as photosynthesis, gaseous exchange and nutrient absorption, and cause reductions in plant growth, dry matter accumulation and yield. Heavy metals also interfere with the levels of antioxidants in plants, and reduce the nutritive value of the produce. Dietary intake of many heavy metals through consumption of plants has long term detrimental effects on human health.
Cadmium Accumulation, Growth Performance and Antioxidant Properties of Bacterial Consortium Inoculated Mentha arvensis L. Grown in Polluted Soil
(Springer, 2024) Sandhyarani Mahanto; Indrajeet Kumar; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
In the present study, growth performance, antioxidant activities and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in eco-friendly bacterial consortium inoculated Mentha arvensis grown in Cd contaminated soils were evaluated. Eco-friendly bacterial consortium inoculation significantly enhanced growth, biomass and antioxidant efficacy of M. arvensis plants grown in contaminated soil, i.e. wastewater irrigated and Cd-spiked soils over the non-inoculated plants (p < 0.05). Cd accumulation in roots, stems and leaves of M. arvensis inoculated with eco-friendly bacterial consortium decreased significantly as compared to plant without bacterial consortium (p < 0.05) in wastewater irrigated (5.3%, 48.5% and 5.8%, respectively) and Cd spiked (2.2%, 20.9% and 27.1%, respectively) soils. Thus, the present study concludes that application of Cd resistant eco-friendly bacterial consortium in polluted soils could be helpful in improving growth of M. arvensis and preventing entry of Cd in food chain. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The National Academy of Sciences, India 2024.
Cadmium content, metabolite profile, biological properties of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk plant exposed to elevated cadmium in soil
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Akanksha Dwivedi; Alakh Narayan Singh; Ajay Kumar; Gopal Nath; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
Cadmium (Cd), a highly mobile and hazardous toxic heavy metal negatively affects plant's yield by regulating synthesis of biomolecules, involved in both physiological and biochemical activities. The present study investigated the Cd content, metabolite profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of methanolic leaf extracts (MLEs) of Eclipta alba L., plant exposed to elevated soil Cd (eCdS). The tested plants were grown in earthen pot and were weekly treated with Cd as CdCl2. H20 (20 mg/L) till 70 days after the plant transplantation. The results showed that eCdS significantly elevated Cd content in root and shoot tissue of E. alba plant (91 % and 94 %, respectively) as compared to the control. UHPLC-HRMS profile of MLEs revealed a significant decrease in the amino acids and its derivatives with an increased level of phenolic contents, fatty acids, and lipids. Metabolites in MLEs were also upregulated and downregulated (31 and 98, respectively) by an eCdS. An eCdS further increased both total phenolics and total flavonoids content in MLEs of E. alba by 71 % and 31 %, respectively over the control. In-vitro antioxidant activities in MLEs were also found to be significantly increased due to eCdS as DPPH > ABTS > FRAP (30 %, 26 % and 21 %, respectively) as compared to the control. Cd treated plant's MLEs also revealed maximum reduction in an inhibition zone of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), among the tested bacterial strains. The present study concludes that eCdS led to the significant changes in the metabolite profile, phenolics content and biological activities of E. alba's MLEs suggesting its ameliorating role in improving the medicinal value of E. alba plant. However, direct consumption of raw material of E. alba plant is not recommended due to high accumulation of Cd in its different parts. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.
Carpet industry irrigational sources risk assessment: Heavy metal contaminated vegetables and cereal crops in northern India
(Elsevier Inc., 2022) Prince Kumar Singh; Jay Shankar Yadav; Indrajeet Kumar; Umesh Kumar; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
Wastewater is often discharged to natural water bodies through an open channel as well as used by marginal farmers to irrigate the agricultural fields, particularly in sub-urban areas of developing countries. In the present study, the samples of irrigation water, soil, vegetables (i.e., palak; Beta vulgaris L. var All green H1, radish; Raphanus sativus L., garlic; Allium sativum L., cabbage; Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata, brinjal; Solanum melongena L.) and crops (i.e., paddy; Oryza sativa L. and wheat; Triticum aestivum L.) were collected from the agricultural areas receiving untreated wastewater from a carpet industrial and residential areas since a decade. The contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn in the filtrates of water, soil, and crops were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Perkin-Elmer AAnalyst 800, USA). Daily intake, hazardous quotient and heavy metal pollution index were computed to assess the health risk associated with consumption of heavy metal contaminated crops. The mean concentrations of Cd and Zn in B. vulgaris (5.35 µg g−1 dw and 58.41 µg g−1 dw, respectively) and Cr, Cu, and Ni in grains of T. aestivum (16.02 µg g−1 dw, 27.97 µg g−1 dw and 40.74 µg g−1 dw, respectively) were found highest and had exceeded the Indian safety limit. Daily intake of Cu, Ni, and Cr via consumption of tested cereal crops was found higher than the vegetables. The health quotient revealed that health of local residents is more linked to vegetables than cereal crops. The present findings may be helpful to the policymakers and regulatory authorities to modify the existing policy of wastewater uses in the agriculture and disposal to the natural water bodies. The regular monitoring of heavy metals in the wastewater should also be ensured by the regulatory authorities for their safe disposal to natural water bodies/agriculture in order to reduce the human health risk associated with the degree of heavy metal contaminated suburban food systems. © 2022
Climate change and secondary metabolism in plants: resilience to disruption
(Elsevier, 2025) Priyanka K. Singh; Prince Kumar Singh; Umesh Kumar; Saumya Mishra; Parvati Madheshiya; Rahul Prasad Singh; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Indrajeet Kumar
Global ecosystems are facing serious challenges as a result of climate change, which is upsetting ecological equilibrium and changing biological processes. As main producers, plants are most impacted by these changes, which calls for a better comprehension of how resilient and adaptable they are to climate stressors. Plant metabolism can be greatly impacted by a variety of climatic stressors, which can either promote or inhibit the synthesis of secondary metabolites (SMs). Although these substances are crucial for plant defense and acclimatization, little is known about how they will react to climate change. It is becoming more and more important to comprehend how climate change regulates plant secondary metabolism as its consequences worsen. Research continues to investigate the influence of various climate change factors, including elevated temperatures, increased carbon dioxide levels, drought conditions, enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation, and their interactions, with SMs such as phenolics, terpenes, and alkaloids, with growing evidence shedding light on these complex dynamics. This chapter also provides an overview of the impact of climate-induced stress on SM production, including shifts in metabolic pathways, epigenetic modifications, and interactions with symbiotic organisms. Furthermore, it delves into the mechanisms underlying plant adaptability, such as metabolic flexibility and cross-talk between pathways, which allow plants to mitigate the adverse effects of climatic disruptions. This chapter provides an overview of the impact of climate change and resilience mechanisms in plants under climatic stress. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Comprehensive journey from past to present to future about seed priming with hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen sulfide concerning drought, temperature, UV and ozone stresses- a review
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2024) Rashmi Choudhary; Vishnu Dayal Rajput; Gajanan Ghodake; Faheem Ahmad; Mukesh Meena; Reiaz ul Rehman; Ram Prasad; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Rachana Singh; Chandra Shekhar Seth
Background and aims: Abiotic stresses lead to drastic changes in functional and physiological anatomy in plants such as generation of reactive oxygen species, loss of photosynthetic efficiency, membrane damage etc resulting in a slower expansion and causing a significant harvest penalty. Methodologies like conventional breeding or the use of transgenics are in trend to abate stress impacts on plants, however, alternatively, the use of simple and cost-effective solutions to this problem are also popular. This review focuses on the amelioration of four chief abiotic stressors in plants with reference to priming by H2O2 and H2S. In light of this, the mechanism of resilience to abiotic stress is thoroughly elucidated from past to current scientific efforts in addition to elaborating the critical knowledge gaps and bridging those as well. There are reviews on the use of these two molecules in agronomic systems for drought, and, heat stresses, however, the present review differs in reviewing their impacts on very less addressed UV and ozone stress, including their parallel view of action in terms of similarities and dissimilarities elaborating the interconnection with other signaling molecules. Conclusion: Recently, pre-treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as an economic, feasible, and efficient approach to abate the various abiotic stresses. H2O2 and H2S are multitasking cell signaling molecules in plants. Chemical priming with H2O2 and H2S helps in acclimation of seedlings by hardening and activating antioxidant machinery and thus, in stress tolerance to deal with numerous abiotic stress exposures like drought, temperature, UV, and ozone stress. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.
Critical review on toxic contaminants in surface water ecosystem: sources, monitoring, and its impact on human health
(Springer, 2024) Prince Kumar Singh; Umesh Kumar; Indrajeet Kumar; Akanksha Dwivedi; Priyanka Singh; Saumya Mishra; Chandra Shekhar Seth; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
Surface water pollution is a critical and urgent global issue that demands immediate attention. Surface water plays a crucial role in supporting and sustaining life on the earth, but unfortunately, till now, we have less understanding of its spatial and temporal dynamics of discharge and storage variations at a global level. The contamination of surface water arises from various sources, classified into point and non-point sources. Point sources are specific, identifiable origins of pollution that release pollutants directly into water bodies through pipes or channels, allowing for easier identification and management, e.g., industrial discharges, sewage treatment plants, and landfills. However, non-point sources originate from widespread activities across expansive areas and present challenges due to its diffuse nature and multiple pathways of contamination, e.g., agricultural runoff, urban storm water runoff, and atmospheric deposition. Excessive accumulation of heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, chlorination by-products, pharmaceutical products in surface water through different pathways threatens food quality and safety. As a result, there is an urgent need for developing and designing new tools for identifying and quantifying various environmental contaminants. In this context, chemical and biological sensors emerge as fascinating devices well-suited for various environmental applications. Numerous chemical and biological sensors, encompassing electrochemical, magnetic, microfluidic, and biosensors, have recently been invented by hydrological scientists for the detection of water pollutants. Furthermore, surface water contaminants are monitored through different sensors, proving their harmful effects on human health. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024.
Effect of rLcrV and rYopB from Yersinia pestis on murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro
(Elsevier, 2004) Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Ajit Sodhi; Harsh Vardhan Batra; Urmil Tuteja
The interaction between macrophages and bacterial pathogens is crucial in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. The 70 kb plasmid encodes low calcium response V (LcrV) or V antigen and a group of highly conserved yersinia outer proteins (Yops) are essential for full virulence. In present study, we investigated the effect of rLcrV and rYopB on macrophage functions in vitro. It is observed that rLcrV and rYopB inhibited the LPS induced expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, KC, IP-10, and IL-12 in macrophages. rLcrV and rYopB caused increased expression of IL-10 and TLR2, whereas inhibited TLR4 expression in LPS treated macrophages. IL-10 and TLR2 antibodies reversed the rLcrV and rYopB induced inhibition of TNF-α production by LPS treated macrophages, whereas IL-4 and TLR4 antibodies had no effect. Our data suggests a possible role of IL-10 and TLR2 in rLcrV and rYopB mediated inhibition of macrophage function. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Effects of fly ash incorporation on heavy metal accumulation, growth and yield responses of Beta vulgaris plants
(2008) Anurag Singh; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Shashi Bhushan Agrawal
Use of fly ash (FA) to agriculture is not always beneficial, however, utilization of lower concentration of FA as soil amendment is suitable for better management of few crops. The present study was conducted to study the effects of various concentrations of FA (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) on heavy metal accumulation, growth, and yield responses of palak (Beta vulgaris L. var All Green H1). The results showed that application of FA caused significant reductions in growth, biomass and yield responses of B. vulgaris plants at different ages of observations. The concentrations of all the heavy metals increased significantly with increasing concentrations of FA. Metal pollution index (MPI) of both roots and shoots showed significant and negative relationships with the yield of B. vulgaris plants. The study concludes that B. vulgaris plant is sensitive to FA concentrations used in this study. It is further recommended that leafy vegetable like B. vulgaris is not a suitable crop to be grown in a region where FA is used for amendment of agricultural soils. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Erratum: Effect of rLcrV and rYopB from Yersinia pestis on murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro (Immunology Letters (2004) 93:2-3 (179-187) DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2004.03.010)
(2006) Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Ajit Sodhi; Harsh Vardhan Batra; Urmil Tuteja
[No abstract available]
Functional Diversification and Mechanistic Insights of MYB Transcription Factors in Mediating Plant Growth and Development, Secondary Metabolism, and Stress Responses
(Springer, 2025) Safoora Mariyam; Vinay Kumar; Aryadeep Roychoudhury; Gajanan Sampatrao Ghodake; Sowbiya Muneer; Joginder Singh Duhan; Faheem Ahmad; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Joginder P. Singh; Chandra Shekhar Seth
Gene expression at transcriptional stage regulates several vital life processes. Transcription factors (TFs) are essential for guiding these cellular functions. MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog) TF family possesses a broad spectrum of biological functions, involving growth and differentiation, metabolism, defence mechanisms, as well as reactions to environmental stressors. Additionally, MYB transcription factors are recognized for involvement in manufacture of plant secondary metabolites. MYB proteins’ functions are extensively regulated at translational level, comprising mechanisms such as ubiquitination, sumoylation, and phosphorylation. MYB TFs’ vital role in controlling plant development is due to their capacity of precisely binding with cis-elements located in promoter domain of eukaryote targeted genes, influencing gene expression. This review delves into the evolution and critical roles of MYB proteins under various environmental stress conditions. Furthermore, it examines how these proteins control downstream target gene networks in response to abiotic stressors. It investigates the probable mechanisms that control MYB protein regulation at multiple stages, including transcription, post-transcriptional processes, and protein levels. It also investigates how these proteins control downstream targeted gene cascades during responses to environmental stresses in developing stress-resilient crops. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.
Green Solutions for Heavy Metal Remediation: Unveiling the Potential of Agricultural Waste through Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment
(CRC Press, 2024) Priyanka Singh; Umesh Kumar; Akanksha Dwivedi; Prince Kumar Singh; Indrajeet Kumar; Saumya Mishra; Avanish Prajapati; Supriya Tiwari; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
The global prevalence of heavy metal contamination presents formidable challenges to both environmental integrity and human health, underscoring the critical need for the implementation of efficacious remediation strategies. Utilizing agricultural waste as a viable and sustainable approach to address heavy metal pollution in contaminated environments, diverse agricultural waste materials, such as crop residues, animal manure, and by-products from food processing unit, are assessed for their efficacy in heavy metal sorption and immobilization. Through a holistic framework integrating techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), the study assesses the heavy metal sorption and immobilization capabilities of different agricultural waste materials. Comprehensive TEA investigates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing agricultural waste-based remediation techniques relative to conventional methodologies. Furthermore, LCA analyzes the environmental impact of these remediation techniques, including resource consumption, emissions, and waste generation throughout their entire life cycles. The chapter elucidates the promising potential of agricultural waste as a sustainable and economically viable alternative for heavy metal remediation, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating technological and environmental assessments for informed decision-making in environmental management practices. © 2025 selection and editorial matter Veer Singh, Ashish Kumar, Vishal Mishra and Sachchida Nand Rai; individual chapters, the contributors.
Health risk assessment of heavy metals via dietary intake of foodstuffs from the wastewater irrigated site of a dry tropical area of India
(2010) Anita Singh; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Madhoolika Agrawal; Fiona M. Marshall
The present study was conducted to assess the risk to human health by heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cr) through the intake of locally grown vegetables, cereal crops and milk from wastewater irrigated site. Milk is not directly contaminated due to wastewater irrigation, but is an important route of food chain transfer of heavy metals from grass to animals. Heavy metal concentrations were several fold higher in all the collected samples from wastewater irrigated site compared to clean water irrigated ones. Cd, Pb and Ni concentrations were above the 'safe' limits of Indian and WHO/FAO standards in all the vegetables and cereals, but within the permissible limits in milk samples. The higher values of metal pollution index and health risk index indicated heavy metal contamination in the wastewater irrigated site that presented a significant threat of negative impact on human health. Rice and wheat grains contained less heavy metals as compared to the vegetables, but health risk was greater due to higher contribution of cereals in the diet. The study suggests that wastewater irrigation led to accumulation of heavy metals in food stuff causing potential health risks to consumers. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) contamination of vegetables in urban India: A case study in Varanasi
(2008) Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Madhoolika Agrawal; Fiona M. Marshall
The contributions of heavy metals in selected vegetables through atmospheric deposition were quantified in an urban area of India. Deposition rate of Zn was recorded maximum followed by Cu, Cd and Pb. The concentrations of Zn and Cu were highest in Brassica oleracea, Cd in Abelmoschus esculentus and B. oleracea, while Pb was highest in Beta vulgaris. Heavy metal pollution index showed that B. oleracea was maximally contaminated with heavy metals followed by A. esculentus and then B. vulgaris. The results of washing showed that atmospheric deposition has contributed to the increased levels of heavy metals in vegetables. Both Cu and Cd posed health risk to local population via test vegetables consumption, whereas Pb posed the same only through B. oleracea. The study concludes that atmospheric depositions can elevate the levels of heavy metals in vegetables during marketing having potential health hazards to consumers. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Heavy metal accumulation, yield and health risk assessment of wheat crop grown in contaminated soil amended with bioash for sustainable agriculture
(Academic Press Inc., 2025) Umesh Kumar; Prince Kumar Singh; Indrajeet Kumar; Rajesh Kumar Sharma
Prolonged use of wastewater irrigation in peri-urban agriculture has increased levels of heavy metals (HMs) in soil, raising concerns regarding both food safety and human health. To address this issue, the effectiveness of agro-waste derived bioashes (ADB), specifically rice husk ash (RHA) and sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), was investigated as soil amendment materials to immobilize HMs in soil and reduce their accumulation in crops. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of RHA and SBA on HM uptake, growth, yield, nutrient quality, and seed metabolite profiles of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. HUW 234) crop grown in HM contaminated soils, along with associated health risks. Results revealed that SBA significantly and effectively reduced Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd accumulation in wheat seeds (13.5 %, 33.8 %, 17.6 %, 7.8 %, and 10.0 %, respectively), more compared to RHA (6.8 %, 16.9 %, 8.8 %, 3.9 %, and 5.0 %) with maximum accumulation in roots followed by shoots and least in seeds. Health risk assessments showed that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of HMs was found highest for Zn and lowest for Cd in both the children and adults consuming wheat seeds, with hazard quotient values above a unit for all the HMs. The present study concludes that SBA could be effectively used as a superior soil amendment to reduce HM toxicity in soil-wheat system, associated human health risks and to promote sustainable agriculture in peri-urban areas. © 2024