Response of Vegetables to Cadmium-Enriched Soil

Abstract

Environmental and water pollution through heavy metals is a growing concern. The recycling of untreated wastewater, which is often contaminated with heavy metals, for agricultural applications is becoming more popular. However, information on the amount of absorption and accumulation of cadmium (Cd) at variable concentrations by different crops is limited. This study aims to analyze the impact of various Cd concentrations (0, 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg) in the root zone on the quantity of its absorption as well as accumulation in various parts of seven different types of common vegetables. The experiments were carried out under laboratory-like controlled conditions. Four treatments and three replicates were selected. Cadmium accumulation exceeded the permissible limits for human consumption, and its accumulation in different plant parts followed this order: Leaves: broccoli > spinach > basil > garlic > carrot > tarragon > dill. Stems: broccoli > spinach > basil > garlic > tarragon > carrot > dill. Roots: broccoli > garlic > basil > spinach > carrot > dill > tarragon. Therefore, the authors recommend the reuse of treated wastewater, which should be virtually free of contaminants such as heavy metals, to irrigate farm lands in the future.

Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) Grown in a Controlled Environment

“…In the present study, increasing concentrations of Cd significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced shoot and root fresh and dry weights. The results of this study support previous research [ 25 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. However, the results of the present study are not consistent with other published findings [ 39 , 40 ].…”

Heavy Metal Contamination in Green Leafy Vegetables Collected from Selected Market Sites of Piliyandala Area, Colombo District, Sri Lanka

“…The elevated levels of Pb in certain leafy vegetables may also occur due to contaminants in irrigation water, soil or industrial and vehicular emission as lead occurs in the fuel as antiknocking agents [31]. Phosphate fertilizers are the major source of soil contamination by trace metals, especially Cd, as it is naturally found as an impurity in phosphate rocks [48,49]. Nevertheless, Cd is a nonessential element, in plants and animals.…”

“…Nevertheless, Cd is a nonessential element, in plants and animals. Accumulation of Cd in plants affects the nutrients uptake, obstruct the respiratory enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, alter the antioxidant metabolism, and reduce the crop productivity [48,49]. Within the human body, Cd irreversibly accumulates in the kidneys, liver and lungs [2].…”

Recycling of domestic wastewater treated by vertical-flow wetlands for irrigating Chillies and Sweet Peppers

“…Under acid conditions (soil with a pH of less than 7), heavy metals could be a problem to sensitive plants (FAO, 2003). Aggregate diameter mm 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 Contact time h 72 72 72 36 36 72 72 Resting time h 48 48 48 48 24 48 48 Chemical oxygen Metals present in wastewater (cadmium, copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc) used for irrigation purposes can pose a health risk to humans and animals (Ebrazi Bakhshayesh et al, 2014;FAO, 2003). FAO (2003) states that the most toxic ions in treated wastewater are sodium, chloride and boron.…”