Chinese and Pakistani researchers are collaborating to fight heavy metal contamination in Pakistan’s tomato crops, a vital industry worth over $100 million in exports. Chromium, cadmium, and lead from industrial pollution in Punjab, Lahore, Kasur, and Sialkot threaten both crop quality and public health.
The project uses advanced bioremediation methods with microbes, native plants, and magnetized nanosized biochar to detoxify soil, block metals from reaching tomato fruits, and recover residues safely for reuse. This eco-friendly approach is cost-effective and sustainable compared to traditional chemical treatments.
Covering approximately 61,000 hectares across Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan’s tomato industry is critical for farmers and international trade. This research collaboration ensures safer crops, stronger export potential, and long-term sustainable growth in the sector.
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