Dataset on assessment of heavy metals contamination in multi-environmental samples from Patna, India

Accumulation of heavy metals in vegetables adversely affects the well-being of human health. In this study, we investigated the heavy metals (Hg, Zn, Cu, Pb and Mn) contamination in different environmental samples collected from five major sites (Gaighat, Paijawa, Danapur, Ranipur and Marchi) of Patna. In all the samples concentration of manganese (Mn) was found to be higher in soil samples. The concentration of heavy metals in soil samples were in the order Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Hg in water sample; Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Hg, and in vegetables Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Hg. In all sites, majority of heavy metal were within the permissible limits except the Zn and Pb. The Zn and Pb contents in vegetables and soil were measured above the permissible limit recommended by WHO/FAO (2007) and Indian standard. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) for the heavy metal transfer from soils to vegetables are analysed and were ranked in the order of Hg > Pb > Zn > Cu > Mn. The estimated daily intake of metals suggested low health risk despite higher metal content in soil/vegetables. The metal pollution index (MPI) analysis showed high MPI for spinach (15.6) followed by red spinach (14.0) whereas beans (8.6) showed lower metal pollution index.