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Abstract

This graph shows the influence of rainfall on the seasonal variation in cadmium (Cd) concentration in water samples from five reservoirs (R) and an artesian well (home). Intensive farming using agrochemicals (fertilizers and pesticides) can increase heavy metal concentrations in the soil-water-plant system, especially in the case of elements poorly retained by the soil and easily lost to leaching. Source: SILVA, L. S. et al. Heavy metals in waters used for human consumption and crop irrigation. Rev. Ambient. Água, Taubaté, vol. 13 n. 4, p. 1-10, 2018 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Heavy metals in waters used ABSTRACTThe consumption of contaminated water is a major source of heavy metal contamination in humans and animals. This study therefore aimed to assess Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn levels in water used for human and animal consumption and vegetable crop irrigation in Camocim de São Félix, Pernambuco, Brazil. Water samples were collected on the studied farms from an artesian well and reservoirs used for human and animal consumption as well as for crop irrigation. The results showed that concentrations of Cd (> 0.001 mg L -1 ), Ni (> 0.025 mg L -1 ) and Pb (> 0.01 mg L -1 ) were above the maximum allowable limits established under Brazilian law, indicating the need for a preventive monitoring program and immediate intervention initiatives aimed at the sources of contamination. The results demonstrate the need to quantify heavy metal content in vegetable crops, since their contamination by irrigation water may make them harmful to human health. Rainfall has a seasonal effect on heavy metal concentrations in water, showing a significant effect on Pb levels, whereas Cd and Ni content was less dependent on seasonal variation. e na irrigação de hortaliças no município de Camocim de São Félix (PE). Nas propriedades agrícolas, as amostras de água analisadas foram coletadas de poço artesiano e de reservatórios destinados ao consumo humano, animal e irrigação das lavouras. Os resultados demonstraram que as águas analisadas no presente estudo apresentaram concentrações de Cd (> 0,001 mg L -1 ), Ni (> 0,025 mg L -1 ) e Pb (> 0,01 mg L -1 ) superiores aos teores máximos permitidos indicados pela legislação brasileira, sinalizando a necessidade de um programa de monitoramento preventivo e ações de intervenção imediata das fontes de contaminação. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de quantificação das concentrações de metais pesados nas hortaliças, visto que contaminadas pelas águas de irrigação podem ser uma fonte nociva à saúde humana. A precipitação pluviométrica tem influência sobre a variação sazonal dos teores dos metais nas águas, com maior efeito na concentração de Pb e influência moderada nas concentrações de Cd e Ni.Palavras-chave: agroquímicos, cádmio, chumbo, elementos-traço, poluição difusa.