Quantification of nitrophenols, chlorophenols, and hexachlorocyclohexanes in agricultural soils in the vicinity of industrial area for the assessment of human health hazard and risk

ABSTRACT

In this study, quantification of nitrophenol (NP), chlorophenol (CP), and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) compounds in agricultural soils in the vicinity of the industrial region in northern Uttar Pradesh, India was carried out for the assessment of human health hazard. The concentration of ∑NP, ∑CP, and ∑HCH compounds ranged 0.33–3.64 mg kg⁻¹, 0.06–3.18 μg kg⁻¹, and 1.23–17.24 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, and were within the soil quality guidelines for the protection of human and environment health. Human health hazard index and cancer risk, on the basis of average daily intake of these compounds through soil for human adults and children, was lower than the acceptable limit. This study suggested low health hazard and risk due to phenolic and HCH compounds to human population.

KeyWords:

• nitrophenols
• chlorophenols
• hexachlorocyclohexanes
• agriculture soil
• average daily intake
• health hazard

Acknowledgment

The authors are grateful to the authorities of the Central Pollution Control Board for providing necessary analytical facilities to conduct the study. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the organization. The authors are also thankful to HERA's editor and anonymous reviewers for their constructive editing and comments for improvement of the article.