A Comprehensive Exploration of Distribution Patterns, Sources, and Health Constraints of Toxic Trace Elements in Soil and Vegetables of Swat and Lahore

This study was conducted to explore the sources, compatibility, and distribution pattern of toxic trace elements (TTEs) in soil and vegetables of Swat and Lahore and their health compatibility. The samples of food crops and soil from two cities (Lahore and Swat) were collected and analyzed through Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). In Lahore vegetables, the concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), and Chromium (Cr) were 8.6, 1.33, 7.83, and 6.85, while in Swat vegetables, the concentration of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Cr were 13.377, 23.555, 0.825, and 31.811 in mg/kg, respectively, which exceeded the Chinese food crop standards that is, Cd 0.05, Pb 0.1, Cr 0.5, and Cu 0.1 in mg/kg. In Swat soil, the concentration of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Cr were 10.7, 37.85, 24.6, and 36.95, while in Lahore soil, that is, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Cu were 42.0, 12.76, 15.77, and 7.46 in mg/kg, respectively, which were also exceeding the Chinese soil standard (CSS) and Upper Continental crust (UCC). The pollution load index (PLI) was >1, indicating alarming pollution levels in both cities. The polluted soil and vegetables of Lahore are associated with anthropogenic and industrial emissions, while those of Swat are attributed to mélange zone rock, Swat‐granite, schist, ophiolite, genesis, serpentine, siderite, and illite.