Effect of zeolite on absorption and distribution of heavy metal concentrations in roots and shoots of wheat under soil contaminated with weapons

Abstract

War is one of the causes of agricultural lands pollution. One of the problems of this kind is pollution of heavy metals caused by the use of various types of weapons. These elements have entered the plant's life cycle and leads to endangering human health. The use of zeolite is a solution for this problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of natural zeolite on absorption and distribution of heavy metals in wheat. This experiment was conducted as a factorial based on completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments consisted of non-application of zeolite (zero) (control), 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 percent of soil weight and two different types of soil include, contaminated and non-contaminated soil with war weapons. The results showed that the concentration of chromium, lead, and antimony increased in the roots and shoots in contaminated soil, significantly. The values of these elements were higher in roots as compared to shoots. The application of zeolite contributes significantly to the stabilization of heavy elements in contaminated soils and reduces their concentration in the shoots and roots and increases the food safety and food security which could be considered by researchers and farmers.