The Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Health Risks of Metals Bioaccumulation in Different Vegetables Cultivated in District Shikarpur, Sindh, Pakistan

Contaminated irrigation water from untreated municipal effluents poses a significant threat to vegetable farming in Shikarpur, Sindh. The current investigation shows the accumulation of HMs, for instance Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Sn, Co, Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb and As, in 15 varieties of locally grown vegetables. ICP–OES analysis declared that Cd, As and Cr exceeded the WHO/FAO limit, while other elements remained below the permissible limit. Seven vegetable species were observed to contain higher Cd content, and four species possessed higher As guidelines. Cr was found at a higher level than the allowable level in only two varieties. Health risk assessments showed that each vegetable variety possessed a Health Index (HI) greater than 1.0, ranging from 3.993 to 7.302, suggesting noteworthy non-carcinogenic hazards. Moreover, the Total Carcinogenic Risk (TCR) for entire vegetable samples enhanced the allowable permissible limit of 1.0×10⁻⁴, with Cr and Cd recognised as the main conductors of cancer risk. These findings declare a severe public health alarm and a dire need for soil treatment and irrigation water management in the study area.