Using wastewater for irrigation can pose a health hazard if it contains which harmful metal?

Using wastewater for irrigation can pose a health hazard if it contains which harmful metal?

• A. Lead
• B. Copper
• C. Cadmium
• D. Mercury

Answer: (C)

Using wastewater for irrigation can pose significant health hazards, particularly if it contains cadmium, which is highly toxic and poses several health risks when absorbed by plants and subsequently ingested by humans or animals. Cadmium can accumulate in the kidneys and liver, leading to chronic health issues, including kidney damage, bone fragility, and an increased risk of cancer. Due to its prevalence in industrial processes and potential for leaching into waterways, the presence of cadmium in irrigation water is a critical concern. Regulatory agencies set stringent limits on cadmium concentrations in wastewater to minimize the risk of contamination to crops, soil, and the overall ecosystem. Other metals like lead, copper, and mercury also present risks but cadmium is particularly emphasized due to its higher toxicity and long-term bioaccumulation potential in the food chain when affected by irrigation practices using contaminated water. This makes it an important focus for ensuring safe irrigation practices and protecting public health.

Using wastewater for irrigation can pose significant health hazards, particularly if it contains cadmium, which is highly toxic and poses several health risks when absorbed by plants and subsequently ingested by humans or animals. Cadmium can accumulate in the kidneys and liver, leading to chronic health issues, including kidney damage, bone fragility, and an increased risk of cancer.

Due to its prevalence in industrial processes and potential for leaching into waterways, the presence of cadmium in irrigation water is a critical concern. Regulatory agencies set stringent limits on cadmium concentrations in wastewater to minimize the risk of contamination to crops, soil, and the overall ecosystem.

Other metals like lead, copper, and mercury also present risks but cadmium is particularly emphasized due to its higher toxicity and long-term bioaccumulation potential in the food chain when affected by irrigation practices using contaminated water. This makes it an important focus for ensuring safe irrigation practices and protecting public health.