Effect of brickworks emission of cadmium on wheat plant and soil

Level of a selected heavy metal, cadmium (Cd), emitted from the chimneys of brick manufacturing works and its consequences on surrounding soil and wheat plant were studied Two brick kilns located along the ring road in the area of Sufaid Dheri, Peshawar were selected. Samples of soil and plant were collected from eighteen different sites at 100, 200 and 300 m distances from brick kiln chimney in all four directions to measure cadmium deposition effect of distance and wind direction. In addition 8 dust samples in duplicate were also collected in plastic buckets installed at 3m height and 50 m distance from the chimney to estimate the dust fall rate and extent of Cd load from brickworks. Results showed higher dust fall rate in all four directions ranging from 23.8 to 46.0 g/m2 month-1 at 50m distance form the chimney. Taking averages across all direction, higher dust from brick works caused addition of Cd with 0.08 mg/kg. Coal analysis showed that burning of coal may add a huge quantity of Cd in short period. Such substantial amounts of Cd from dust and coal induced accumulation of this heavy metal in soil and plants around the brick kiln. Plants around the kilns also showed higher accumulation of Cd (up to 7.83 mg/kg) with the distance from chimney. The study was of high importance showing significant addition of heavy metals from brick works emission and indicates its harmful effect on soils, plants, heritage and human beings, residing in the vicinity of the brickworks. To summarize, the data obtained in this study would present a baseline for the planners, health authorities, scientists and consumers to adopt appropriate remedial measure. (author)