ATMOSPHERIC LEAD POLLUTION FROM VEHICULAR EMISSIONS – MEASUREMENTS IN PLANTS, SOIL AND MILK SAMPLES

The changing levels of lead (Pb) in the soil and vegetationalong two National Highways near Lucknow, India, wereinvestigated. The pattern of Pb deposition, as reflected bysoil Pb burdens, showed decrease in concentration withincreasing distances from the road margins. At both the sitesPb concentration was above background concentration even atthe soil core depth of 15 cm. Oryza sativa, Colocasiaesculentum, Luffa cylindrica and Cynodon dactylonplants contained a high mean concentration of Pb over theirrespective controls, with more accumulation in the undergroundportions of the plants. Milk samples, collected from cattlethat normally graze on the roadside pasture-lands dominatedby Cynodon dactylon, contained Pb at an elevatedconcentration.