Heavy metal contamination of water and occupational bioaccumulation among marble factory workers

The marble industry generates metal-bearing waste that contaminates water resources and poses occupational health risks. This study iassesed heavy metal contamination in water sources and bioaccumulation in marble factory workers in Peshawar, Pakistan. Sixteen water samples (industrial effluents, residential and canal water) and fifteen blood samples (13 workers ; 2 control) were analyzed for Cd, Pb, Ni, and Mn using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Elevated Pb concentrations were detected in both water and workers' blood samples,with concentrations in water ranging from 0.83 to 1.68 mg L−1 ± 0.21 and in blood from 0.022 ± 0.068 mg L−1 to 0.922 ± 0.147 mg L−1. Mn, Cd, and Ni were present at comparatively lower levels. The Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) for Pb and Cd in residential drinking water exceeded WHO safety limits. These findings highlight the urgent need for effective effluent treatment, regulatory enforcement, occupational protective measures, and routine health surveillance.