The need for monitoring mineral fertilizers for the content of pollutants

Abstract

The possible danger of fertilizers used in agriculture as a source of heavy metals (HM) soil pollution, is analyzed in the article. The absence of any control/ monitoring system in Ukraine makes this danger possible. The literature analysis testifies that dangerous and very dangerous HM contain level in Ukrainian soils is determined at the area of 1,606 thousand hectares. Except the elements being detected and determined in agrochemical pasportisation program. the fertilizers or raw minerals nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), bromine (Br). chrome (Cr). Amongst these elements, only arsenic is being testified in the agricultural production (grain, fruits and berries, vegetables, forage; the rest is out of control. Complex fertilizers, besides, may contain fluorine (F) and strontium (Sr), at least non-radioactive. Certain amount of toxic metals is being absorbed by soil colloids, but thus their stepby-step release, and respectively presence in soils is enabled. Toxic elements contain in fertilizers depends, first of all on their production technology, as well as raw origin. Raw materials being sanctioned today, and originated from Russia, are most clear amongst those from other regions (North Africa). Industry and transport are also well-known as the environment pollution source, and this source cannot be controlled by agricultural growers. But it is possible to provide control of pollutants reaching soil seems to be quite real; where the organizational efforts are needed. In Ukraine the legislative basis which specifies the obligate control of the fertilizers pollution level, the register and content level of pollutants is absent. Also, the radiology level control is also actual. It is necessary, first of all, to solve the legislation basis problem, then the technical realization should be. The «Soil Protection Institute of the Ukraine» is competent enough with staff and equipment, to enable the staterun control under the HM level content in fertilizers, and at least sampling radiology control. The same concerns the raw minerals used in fertilizers production, so as it could help the fertilizers manufacturer to avoid possible problems in future.