Brusseau Collaborates with Pakistani Scientists to Investigate Heavy Metals in Soils

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Leveraging research initiated by our UA SRP Research Translation Core, UA SRP investigator Dr. Mark Brusseau collaborated with scientists from the University of Peshawar (Peshawar, Pakistan) to determine the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals in the soils of several districts in Pakistan. The group also investigated the uptake of heavy metals by various food crops grown in the soils. The measured vegetable tissue concentrations were used to conduct risk assessments for human health impact from ingestion of vegetables grown in the soils. Pakistani researchers will provide information on the results to relevant government agencies and local communities to help define potential risks of vegetable consumption. The project has so far led to publication of two peer-reviewed journal articles. This collaboration has also supported preparation and submission of a joint research project proposal to the Pakistan–United States Science and Technology Cooperation Program managed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the US Aid.

Publications:

Rehman, Z.U., Khan, S., Qin, K., Brusseau, M.L, Shah, M.T., Din, I. 2016. Quantification of inorganic arsenic exposure and cancer risk via consumption of vegetables in southern selected districts of Pakistan. Science Total Environ., 550, 321-329.

Rehman, Z.U., Khan, S., Brusseau, M.L., Shah, M.T. Lead and Cadmium Contamination and Exposure Risk Assessment via Consumption of Vegetables Grown in Agricultural Soils of Five-selected Regions of Pakistan. Chemosphere, 168, 1589-1596, 2017.