Chemical analysis of Teucrium species (Lamiaceae) growing on serpentine soils in Bulgaria

Trace elemental concentrations (Fe, Ni, Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and As) in aerial biomass (stems, leaves, and flowers) of the medicinal plants Teucrium chamaedrys, T. montanum, and T. polium growing on serpentine soils in Bulgaria were examined in relation to the total element contents in their respective rhizospheric soils. The objectives of the study were to evaluate: (1) elemental concentrations in plant tissues and associated soil samples together with the plants ability to tolerate/accumulate metal concentrations; (2) correlations between total metal concentrations in plants and their rhizospheric soils. Metal concentrations varied across species and sites. Their levels in plant tissues from nonserpentine sites were always lower compared to those from serpentine ones. The highest concentrations for Fe, Ni, Mn, Cr, As, Cu, and Pb were found in T. polium. Positive correlation coefficients were established between Ni, Cr, Fe, Co, and Cu in plants and Ca in the soil. None of the species tested hyperaccumulated metals although the metal concentration in some of them exceeded the range naturally found in plants. The Teucrium species can be considered as “excluders”, containing relatively low metal concentrations in their aerial parts (stems, leaves, and flowers) even in cases of high elemental concentrations in the rhizospheric soil. In all three medicinal plants, metal concentrations for toxic elements were above the permissible limits for pharmaceutical purposes. Therefore, plants found on serpentine bedrock are not recommended to be collected for pharmaceutical purposes.     

Plant heavy metal concentrations and soil biological properties in agricultural serpentine soils

Abstract

Soils developed on serpentinitic rocks have serious limitations for agriculture. They have high levels of magnesium (Mg) and heavy metals [copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr)] and are deficient in some macronutrients. In parts of Northwestern Spain, serpentine soils have been subjected to intensive management, based on the use of manure and harvesting residues. Although these practices have allowed the growth of crops, plants may have accumulated high amounts of metals. This study was carried out to assess the effect of the management practices on the uptake of heavy metals by crops, and to analyze the relationship between the concentrations of these metals in plants, and soil properties. Moderate levels of Ni and Mn and low levels of Cr and Cu were found in soil extractable fractions of these metals. In spite of this, analysis of plant tissues revealed high levels of Cr and Ni and moderate contents of Mn. Concentrations of Mn and Ni in foliage were correlated to soil extractable contents, whereas simple linear regression between concentration of Cr in plants and the soil‐extractable Cr showed a poor relationship, possibly because the availability of this metal, as Cr(VI), is determined by temporal environmental conditions. To assess the effects of the management on the uptake of heavy metals by plants, a complementary bioassay experiment was carried out in the laboratory in which Festuca rubra and Agrostis stolonifera were sown on serpentine soil with low organic matter content, and amended with peat and/or lime. This experiment confirmed that there is a reduction in heavy metal concentration in plants after organic amendment and suggested that the lower metal availability is partly due to the higher soil microbial activity, produced as a consequence of addition of organic matter.     

Metal interactions in bush bean plants grown in a glasshouse in amended serpentine soils from California

Abstract

Bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. C.V. Improved Tendergreen) were grown with amendments in a glasshouse in two different serpentine soils from California. These serpentine soils are not high in Ni and Cr as in other areas of the world and the purpose of the study was to define the reasons for low plant yields in these two soils. The two soils behaved very differently. One seemed to have simple P deficiency and a mild imbalance of Ca‐Mg. The other soil appeared to have a severe Ca deficiency, the correction of which tended to increase Mg uptake also, but with improved yields. Present also seemed to be Zn, Cu, Al, Ni toxicities even though the levels of each were not high by leaf analysis tests. Stepwise regression for plants from one of the soils indicated that Cu concentration in leaves accounted for 60% of the yield variation (negative correlation), that Ca accounted for 9% more of it, and that P accounted for 13% more for a total of 82%. In the presence of low levels of Ca, some, at least, of the trace metals were toxic and Cu was one.     

Mosses as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution in polish national parks

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Cu, Ph, Zn, Mn, Fe) and other elements (Mg, Na, K, Ca) were determined in the samples of Pleurozium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens from 12 Polish national parks. The significant differences in the concentrations of all heavy metals between particular parks were found. The lowest concentrations of these metals were recorded in the mosses from the national parks in northern Poland, the highest in southern Poland. Significant differences in the heavy metals contents of the mosses between central and peripheral park areas, between green and brown parts of mosses, as well as between moss species were also found.     

Effects of heavy metals on the growth and mineral composition of a nickel hyperaccumulator

Alyssum pintodasilvae Dudley is a nickel (Ni) hyperaccumulator endemic to serpentine soils of north‐east Portugal. In one experiment, the effects of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), Ni, lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) on the growth and mineral composition of this species were evaluated. The growth of A. pintodasilvae, measured by dry matter accumulation, was not influenced by the presence of Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, or Zn in the soil, but Cd applications led to significant decreases in dry matter yield. The addition of heavy metals to the soil resulted in increased uptake and translocation by A. pintodasilvae but only Ni was accumulated to high levels. In a second experiment, two cuts of A. pintodasilvae, grown on a Ni‐enriched soil, were compared. Nickel concentrations were higher in the second cut, suggesting the possibility of continued growth and harvest of this plant to detoxify Ni‐contaminated soils.     

Gehalte von Baumwurzeln an chemischen Elementen einschließlich Schwermetallen aus Luftverunreinigungen

Concentrations of chemical elements in tree roots including heavy metals from air pollution Total concentrations of P, S, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were measured in roots from beech, spruce, ash, maple and a forest herb (Mercurialis perennis). The root samples were taken from a site with an acid soil type (Saure Braunerde) and from a site with calcareous soil (Rendzina). All elements except Mn, Zn and Pb (on acid soils) and Ca (on calcareous soils) showed higher concentrations in finest roots (<1 mm diameter) compared to fine roots (1–2 mm). In the case of the toxic heavy metals, this is interpreted as a consequence of reduced root uptake due to physiological processes or to organic complexing, followed by an accumulation at the root surface. Compared with aboveground plant parts, roots show accumulation of Al, Pb, Cd and Zn, indicating reduced translocation from roots to shoots. Roots from acid soil show higher concentrations of P, Mn, and Pb than in calcareous soil. The concentrations of Al and heavy metals in the roots are considered to be a consequence of the contamination of the investigated forest sites by long-range transported air pollutants, i.e. acid precipitation and deposition of heavy metals.     

Anfall und chemische Zusammensetzung der städtischen Abwässer von Wolfsburg und Braunschweig

Production and chemical composition of municipal wastewater of Wolfsburg and Braunschweig In two german communities (Wolfsburg 100.000 and Braunschweig 240.000 inhabitants) the production of municipal wastewaters was studied. The elements N, P, S, Cl, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and pH were analysed. The nutrients N, P and S reached high concentrations (mean values 55 and 66, 16 and 18 and 46 mg/l); Na and Cl are considered as high contaminants (mean values 73 and 108 and 142 mg/l); heavy metals yielded low concentrations. Calculations of yearly element output for the villages and each inhabitant were carried out.     

EFFECTS OF CALCIUM/MAGNESIUM QUOTIENTS AND NICKEL IN THE GROWTH MEDIUM ON GROWTH AND NICKEL ACCUMULATION IN PISTACIA ATLANTICA

We selected two serpentine (ultramafic) and non-serpentine populations of P. atlantica and a cultivar of P. vera cv. ‘Badami’, to compare their responses to two growth limiting factors of serpentine soils: low calcium (Ca)/ magnesium (Mg) quotients and high concentrations of nickel (Ni). A solution culture system using perlite as a neutral substrate was used for growing the plants. Growth and elemental composition of plants then were analyzed. All populations/species proved to be excluders of Ni but, interestingly the excluding ability of P. vera to prevent translocation of Ni from root to shoot was higher than that of both populations of P. atlantica. The plants of serpentine population of P. atlantica were more resistant to lower Ca/Mg quotients and higher concentrations of Ni. We suggest that the growth and exclusion responses of the tested plants to Ca/Mg quotients and Ni result from adaptations to their natural substrates, ultramafic or saline soils.     

Translocation and accumulation of heavy metals in Ocimum basilicum L. plants grown in a mining-contaminated soil

Purpose

The evaluation of the ecotoxicity effects of some heavy metals on the plant growth and metal accumulation in Ocimum basilicum L. cultivated on unpolluted and polluted soils represented the objective of the present study.

Materials and methods

The basil aromatic herb was evaluated in a laboratory experiment using soil contaminated with Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, similar to the one from a mining area. The soils and different organs of the basil plants were analyzed, the total contents of the added elements being determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The ability of basil plants to accumulate metals from soil and to translocate them in their organs was evaluated by transfer coefficient, translocation factor, enrichment factor, and geo-accumulation index determinations.

Results and discussion

The basil plants grown in the metal-polluted soil showed stimulation effects comparing with the plants from the control soil. At the end of the exposure period, the plants had a visible increase of biomass and presented inflorescences and the leaves’ green pigment was intensified. The metals gathered differently in plant organs: Cd, Co, Cr, and Pb were accumulated in roots, while Cu, Ni, and Zn in flowers. Cr and Pb exceeded the toxic levels in roots. Also, the heavy metal intake depends on the plant development stages; thus, Cd, Cr, and Pb were accumulated more in mature plant leaves. The Cd and Pb contents were higher than the World Health Organization and European Commission permissible limits.

Conclusions

The experimental results revealed that the basil plants exposed to a mixture of heavy metals have the potential to reduce the metal mobility from soil to plants. Translocation process from roots to flowers and to leaves was observed for Cu, Ni, and Zn, emphasizing a competition between metals. The calculated bioaccumulation factors were insignificant, but Cd and Pb concentrations exceeded the legal limits in the mature plants, being restricted for human or animal consumption.

     

盐分胁迫下番茄盐分离子和重金属的分布特征

采用盆栽试验方法研究了不同盐分含量处理下番茄不同器官盐分离子（Na＋、K＋、Ca2＋）和重金属离子（Cd2＋、Pb2＋、Cr2＋、Zn2＋、Cu2＋、Ni2＋）的分布特征,探讨盐分离子对番茄不同器官吸收重金属离子的影响机制,为重金属污染盐渍土壤的农业可利用性评价提供科学依据。结果表明,番茄根、茎、叶和果实Na＋含量均随盐分含量增加而增加;番茄根K＋含量随盐分含量增加小幅上升,茎K＋含量则显著下降,叶K＋含量无显著变化;番茄各器官Ca2＋含量随盐分含量增加无明显变化。番茄根Cd、Pb、Cr、Zn和Cu含量以及番茄茎、叶Cd含量均随盐分含量增加而增加;番茄根Ni含量、番茄茎叶Pb、Cr、Ni、Zn和Cu含量以及番茄果实各重金属含量受盐分含量变化影响不大。因此,土壤盐分含量的增加对番茄根部吸收重金属（Ni除外）有促进作用。     

Erratum: Chemical composition of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate soils

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of soil geochemistry on the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Co, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate (AS) soils in Western Finland. A total of 11 topsoil (0–20 cm) and corresponding cabbage samples and three whole‐soil profiles (≈ 0–260 cm) were collected on three agricultural fields. The concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were correlated with the NH₄Ac‐extractable (easily available) concentrations in the topsoil, indicating that the uptake of these elements in cabbage is largely governed by soil geochemistry. Yet, the concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were not in general elevated relative to that of Finnish average values, although some AS soils showed enriched concentrations of these metals in the soil and cabbage. Significant geochemical differences (e.g., oxidation depth, organic‐matter and S content, pH) were observed among the studied AS soils, while, on the other hand, the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage were relatively similar. The hydroxylamine‐extractable concentrations of these elements in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, suggesting that uptake is not governed by the oxide‐bound fraction of these elements in the soil. Similarly, the easily available concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, indicating that uptake is independent of the easily available concentrations in the soil. Hence, it is suggested that cabbage can regulate and thus optimize its concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe. Oxidation depth affected neither the easily available concentrations of Co, Ni, Zn, and Mn in the topsoil nor the concentrations in cabbage. However, the subsoil with a lower oxidation depth, which is to a smaller extent affected by leaching, may partly be enriched in these metals. Nevertheless, these showed no increased concentrations in cabbage. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the large amounts of metals mobilized in AS soils are easily lost to drains, subsequently contaminating nearby waterways and estuaries whereas they are only partly enriched in cabbage and other previously studied crops (oat).     

Chemical composition of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate soils

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of soil geochemistry on the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Co, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate (AS) soils in Western Finland. A total of 11 topsoil (0–20 cm) and corresponding cabbage samples and three whole‐soil profiles (≈ 0–260 cm) were collected on three agricultural fields. The concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were correlated with the NH₄Ac‐extractable (easily available) concentrations in the topsoil, indicating that the uptake of these elements in cabbage is largely governed by soil geochemistry. Yet, the concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were not in general elevated relative to that of Finnish average values, although some AS soils showed enriched concentrations of these metals in the soil and cabbage. Significant geochemical differences (e.g., oxidation depth, organic‐matter and S content, pH) were observed among the studied AS soils, while, on the other hand, the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage were relatively similar. The hydroxylamine‐extractable concentrations of these elements in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, suggesting that uptake is not governed by the oxide‐bound fraction of these elements in the soil. Similarly, the easily available concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, indicating that uptake is independent of the easily available concentrations in the soil. Hence, it is suggested that cabbage can regulate and thus optimize its concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe. Oxidation depth affected neither the easily available concentrations of Co, Ni, Zn, and Mn in the topsoil nor the concentrations in cabbage. However, the subsoil with a lower oxidation depth, which is to a smaller extent affected by leaching, may partly be enriched in these metals. Nevertheless, these showed no increased concentrations in cabbage. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the large amounts of metals mobilized in AS soils are easily lost to drains, subsequently contaminating nearby waterways and estuaries whereas they are only partly enriched in cabbage and other previously studied crops (oat).     

Effect of wastewater irrigation on mineral com‐position of corn and sorghum plants in a pot experiment

Effect of wastewater irrigation was investigated on mineral composition of corn and sorghum plants in a pot experiment. The ranges for the concentration of different minerals in corn plants were 0.67–0.89% calcium (Ca), 0.38–0.58% magnesium (Mg), 0.09–1.29% sodium (Na), 0.81–1.87% nitrogen (N), 1.81–2.27% potassium (K), 0.12–0.16% phosphorus (P), 190–257 mg/kg iron (Fe), 3.5–5.6 mg/kg copper (Cu), 37.1–44.5 mg/kg manganese (Mn), 21.6–33.6 mg/kg zinc (Zn), 1.40–1.84 mg/kg molydbenum (Mo), 11.0–45.7 mg/kg lead (Pb), and 2.5–10.8 mg/kg nickel (Ni). Whereas for sorghum plants, the ranges were: 0.56–0.68% Ca, 0.19–0.32% Mg, 0.02–0.27% Na, 0.69–1.53% N, 1.40–1.89% K, 0.10–0.14% P, 190–320 mg/kg Fe, 3.8–6.0 mg/kg Cu, 29.2–37.6 mg/kg Mn, 21.1–29.9 mg/kg Zn, 2.2–3.7 mg/kg Mo, 12.3–59.0 mg/kg Pb, and 2.5–15.2 mg/kg Ni. Heavy metals such as cobalt (Co) and cadmium (Cd) were below detection limits at mg/kg levels. The concentrations of Ca, N, K, P, Cu, and Mn in corn plants were in the deficient range except for Mg, Fe, Zn, and Al. The concentrations of Ca, N, P, K, Cu, Mn, Mg, and Zn in sorghum plants were in the deficient range except for Fe and aluminum (Al). The analysis of regression indicated a strong interaction between Pb, Ni, Ca, and Fe in corn and sorghum plants. In conclusion, waste water irrigation did not increase mineral concentrations of either macro‐ and micro‐elements or heavy trace metals in corn and sorghum plants to hazardous limits according to the established standards and could be used safely for crop irrigation.     

Cadmium soil sorption at low concentrations: V. Evidence of competition by other heavy metals

Sorption of Cd at low concentrations onto 12 Danish soils (coarse sands to sandy loams) was studied with respect to competitive effects of other heavy metals by means of laboratory batch experiments. Both a mixture of Ni, Co, and Zn and of Cr, Cu, and Pb effectively reduced the sorption of Cd onto the soils. The employed mixtures of competing heavy metals were considered to resemble moderately polluted conditions. Cadmium distribution coefficients were reduced 2 to 14 times due to competition, but at constant concentrations of competing heavy metals the shape of Cd isotherms was not affected. The effect of Ni, Co, and Zn, which like Cd is primarily governed in soil environments by sorption, was also studied individually. Apparently Zn, which is present in relatively higher concentrations than Ni and Co, accounts for most of the observed competition with Cd.     

Bulk sediment bioassays with five species of fresh-water oligochaetes

The fluxes of metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Al, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni) in two spruce forest soils in S. Sweden were quantified using the lysimeter technique. Amounts in precipitation (dry and wet), throughfall, litterfall and annual accumulation in biomass were also quantified, as well as stores in soil and biomass. The metal concentrations of the soil solutions varied greatly according to season. The leaching of some metals (Fe, Cu, Pb, Cr, and organic forms of Al) was associated with the leaching of organic matter. These complexes were leached from the A horizon in considerable amounts. They were precipitated in the upper B horizon and only small amounts were transported further downward. By contrast, the leaching of Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Cd, Zn, Ni, and inorganic forms of Al increased with increasing soil depth. The concentrations of these metals also increased with increasing soil solution acidity. The highest concentrations were often found at the transition to the C horizon. The amounts of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Al, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Ni leached from the rooting zone were found to be larger than the amounts deposited from the atmosphere, the main source of these metals being the mineral soil. The reverse was true of Ph, Cu, and Fe, the sink being the upper part of the B horizon.     

规模化猪场区域农田土壤重金属积累及影响评价分析

为了解长期灌溉猪场废水对农田土壤重金属的影响,采集了河北省京安猪场区域农田清洁区和灌溉8年猪场废水污灌区的耕层(0～20 cm)共52个土壤样品,并测定了样品的pH、养分和Zn、Cu、Cr、Ni、Pb和As全量和有效态含量,根据背景资料、相关分析和主成分分析确定重金属污染来源,应用富集因子分析重金属积累程度,并应用污染指数进行重金属影响评价分析。结果表明,灌溉猪场废水对土壤主要带来Zn和Cu的富集,对Ni、Cr和As几乎没有富集效应,Pb和As的富集主要由施用化肥引起。尽管灌溉8年猪场废水后土壤的Zn、Cu、Cr、Ni、Pb和As含量在安全范围内,但土壤重金属有效态含量不仅与重金属全量正相关,还与土壤pH负相关,而灌溉猪场废水会降低土壤pH,从而增加土壤重金属有效态含量。因此,长期灌溉猪场废水不但要注意土壤Zn和Cu积累,还需采取措施降低土壤Zn、Cu等重金属有效态含量以防重金属带来环境风险。     

Effect of sewage sludge on some chemical properties of calcareous sandy soils

Abstract

City sewage sludge was applied to the surface layer (0–10 cm) of two sandy soils, slightly calcareous with 8.9% CaCO₃ and moderately calcareous with 26.7% CaCO₃, at the rates of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 Mg ha^‐1. The effects of sewage sludge and its rates on total soluble salts, pH of soils and concentration and movement of some heavy metals within soils were investigated. Soil samples were packed at bulk density of 1.5 g cm^‐3 in PVC columns and incubated for 19 weeks. The results indicated that total soluble salts (EC) of the treated layer increased with increasing sewage sludge rates. Soluble salts also increased with an increase in soil depth for both soils. The pH values of treated layers in two soils decreased with increasing sewage sludge rates. With increasing sewage sludge rates, concentrations of heavy metals [cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and leaf (Pb)] increased in the treated layers compared to the untreated layers and their mobility was restricted mostly to the upper 30‐cm depth. Movement of Co and Pb in both the soils was predominately limited up to a depth of 40 cm for Co and 5 cm for Pb below the treated soil layer. Nickel and Cd movement was mostly limited to a depth of 10 cm in slightly calcareous soil and 5 cm in moderately calcareous soil. Metal movement in the respective soils is ranked as Co>Ni=Cd>Pb and Co>Ni=Cd>Pb. The low concentrations of heavy metals and the restricted mobility with soil depth, suggest that this material may be used for agricultural crop production without any toxic effect on plants.     

Extractability of trace metals during co-composting of biosolids and municipal solid wastes

 Composts made from biosolids and municipal solid wastes contain heavy metals which may be exported outside soil systems by plants, animals and surface and subsurface waters after the compost has been added to soils. Chemical distributions of Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Ni and Co were determined by eight sequential extractions of co-composted materials sampled on days 0, 13, 27 and 41. The concentrations of residual Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb increased by 145, 124, 73.6 and 26.3% during the composting period, respectively, whereas the concentration of residual Ni remained relatively constant and that of Co decreased by 60% over the same period. These results show that co-composting contaminated residues substantially reduces the extractability and exchangeability of four out of six heavy metals, suggesting that the risks of entering the food chain and contaminating crops, animals and water reserves would be equally reduced. Fourier-transform infrared spectra showed that heavy metals in the compost are bonded to COO- groups of the organic matter. Received: 20 March 1998     

Extractability and plant uptake of heavy metals in alum shale soils

Abstract

Fifty soil samples (0–20 cm) with corresponding numbers of grain, potatoes, cabbage, and cauliflower crops were collected from soils developed on alum shale materials in Southeastern Norway to investigate the availability of [cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn)] in the soil and the uptake of the metals by these crops. Both total (aqua regia soluble) and extractable [ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) and DTPA] concentrations of metals in the soils were studied. The total concentration of all the heavy metals in the soils were higher compared to other soils found in this region. Forty‐four percent of the soil samples had higher Cd concentration than the limit for application of sewage sludge, whereas the corresponding values for Ni, Cu, and Zn were 60%, 38%, and 16%, respectively. About 70% the soil samples had a too high concentration of one or more of the heavy metals in relation to the limit for application of sewage sludge. Cadmium was the most soluble of the heavy metals, implying that it is more bioavailable than the other non‐essential metals, Pb and Ni. The total (aqua regia soluble) concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni and the concentrations of DTPA‐extractable Cd and Ni were significantly higher in the loam soils than in the sandy loam soils. The amount of NH₄NCyextractable metals did not differ between the texture classes. The concentrations of DTPA‐extractable metals were positively and significantly correlated with the total concentrations of the same metals. Ammonium nitrate‐extractable metals, on the other hand, were not related to their total concentrations, but they were negatively and significantly correlated to soil pH. The average concentration of Cd (0.1 mg kg^‐1 d.w.) in the plants was relatively high compared to the concentration previously found in plants grown on the other soils. The concentrations of the other heavy metals Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Pb in the plants were considered to be within the normal range, except for some samples with relatively high concentrations of Ni and Mn (0–11.1 and 3.5 to 167 mg kg‘¹ d.w., respectively). The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Mn in grain were positively correlated to the concentrations of these respective metals in the soil extracted by NH₄NO₃. The plant concentrations were negatively correlated to pH. The DTPA‐extractable levels were not correlated with plant concentration and hence DTPA would not be a good extractant for determining plant availability in these soils.     

Metal Status of Soils and Plants Irrigated with Water from Lake İznik,Turkey

Lake ?znik, located in the southeast part of the Marmara region in Turkey, is considered the largest lake in the region. Soil pollution from irrigation with lake water has become an important concern for arable lands surrounding the lake. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate trace element contamination of soils and plants irrigated with water from the lake, which has been polluted with industrial and municipal wastes. Eleven different crops grown in 30 different horticultural fields, consistently irrigated with lake water, were studied. To determine pollutant concentrations, soils, plants, and water were sampled and analyzed for both total and extractable iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd). Iron, Cu, and Ni in destructively sampled soils were found to be excessive in soils. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using simple correlations and t‐test. There were no statistically significant relationships among the total and extractable metals in soils and extractable plant metals. Because of lack of standard concentrations indicating excessive concentration of extractable elements, statuses of extractable elements in the soils were not evaluated. Cobalt, Pb, Cr, and Cu concentrations were greater than the normal range in leaves. The accumulation of metals differed greatly among the various plant species, but irrigation with lake water did not increase metals in soils. The appearance of metals in soils might be due to agricultural activities and parent material. Continuous monitoring and future studies of the area are recommended to ascertain long‐term impacts of pollution on plants.