Concentrations of Co, Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn in crop plants cultivated in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants

Abstract

In order to determine the effect of airborne emissions of trace elements (Co, Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) from coal-fired power plants on the environment, concentrations were determined in different species of agricultural plants from the local environment (1–15 km radius) and compared with the corresponding concentrations in soils and fallout. The spatial distribution of trace elements in the soil over 7 years did not indicate any significant increased exposure to plants. In agricultural soils exposed to particle fallout produced by the combustion of brown coal, the trace element content changes slowly; it may decrease owing to its removal with the harvesting of crop plants and due to an insufficient supply of fertilizers. Particle fallout from local power plants is too small to change significantly the natural distribution pattern of trace elements in soils and in plant tissues. For monitoring purposes attention should be paid to the leaves and roots of sugar beet and oat seeds in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants.