Metal contamination of Ganga river in relation to atmospheric deposition was investigated. The data revealed that, although Cr and Cu remained below their maximum admissible concentrations, levels of Cd and Pb in mid-stream waters at five out of six stations were higher than their respective maximum admissible concentration. About 62% of water samples contained Ni above its maximum admissible concentration of 20 microg L(-1). Metal concentrations in water showed significant correlation and seasonal synchrony with atmospheric deposition. The study forms the first report on air-driven metal contamination of Ganga and has relevance from human health perspectives.

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Contamination of edible parts of three dietary vegetables, Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), Radish (Raphanus sativus L.), and Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) by air-borne cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) was determined using pot culture experiments at three sites in the city of Varanasi, India. The data revealed that although Cr and Cu in vegetables remained below their safe limits, about 68% of the total samples contained Cd, Ni, and Pb above their respective safe limits of 1.5, 1.5, and 2.5 μg g(-1). Site wise synchrony and air accumulation factor (AAF) indicated that atmospheric deposition was the main contributor of metal contamination to vegetables. The study suggests that if the present trends of atmospheric deposition are continued, air-borne heavy metals will contaminate the agricultural produce with long-term health implications.

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