Trace Metal Accumulation in Water, Soil and Crop Plants along the Basin of Ujjani Reservoir, India

Abstract

The excessive application of fertilizers and of polluted irrigation water increases the trace metal level in an agricultural ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of trace metals (Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) in irrigation water, field soil and crop plants. The contents of metals were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The range and hierarchy of trace metals concentration (µg/ml) in irrigation water are as follows, Fe (2.16 - 1. 53) > Zn (0.30 - 0.17) > Cu (0.18 - 0.11) > Mn (0.11-0.09). The concentration (µg/g) range in field soil showed in an order as Fe (9000- 6961.5) > Mn (984.6-408.9) > Cu (698.5-26.3) > Zn (145.3- 22.9). Moreover, crop plant parts showed maximum concentration (µg/g.dry weight) range for metal Fe (516.3 - 126.7) followed by Mn (169.7-0.4), Zn (78.8- 50) and least for metal Cu (70.5- 4.1). It was noticed that the Fe concentration in irrigation water is higher than the water quality standards proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Furthermore, the field soil exhibited more Cu, and crops have accumulated excess Fe and Cu than the Indian and European Union guidelines. Further, we reported that among the all plant part, leaves are more prone to accumulate trace metals. The value of the transfer factor indicates that plant has low bioaccumulation potential for studied trace metals. Whereas the accumulation index shows that there is a significant Cu contamination in the field soil. So we suggest that farmers should avoid the application of copper-rich fertilizers.