The Effects of Kerosene Usage on Heavy Metals Uptake by some Vegetables in Khuzestan Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the effects kerosene by a factorial experiment in the nested design in three replications. The factors included region (Shush, Dezful and Bavi), plant (parsley, dill, coriander and carrot), and management practice (control, contaminated field with kerosene 1, contaminated field with kerosene 2). Heavy metals concentration (Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd) was measured in soil (DTPA extraction method) and plants samples. The results indicated that the average values of the heavy metals concentration in both soil and plants samples subjected to kerosene contaminated treatments were greater than those of the control treatment in all of the regions. The Bavi region had the highest Cd (14.29 in soil; 11.9 in Dill) and Pb (40.46 in soil; 35.53 in Coriander) and the lowest Zn (34.75 in soil ; 28.44 in Carrot) and Cu(22.30 in soil; 16.96 in Carrot) concentration values in both soil and plants subjected to kerosene contaminated treatments. Also, the lowest concentration values of Cd (9.33 in soil; 8.01 in Carrot) and Pb (30.36 in soil; 23.54 in Carrot) and the highest values of Zn (109.08 in soil; 86.33 in Dill) and Cu (47.71 in soil; 38.57 in Dill) were recorded in Shush and Dezful regions, respectively. Based on these findings, kerosene usage could lead to a significant increase in the heavy metals (Cd, Cu and Pb) uptake, exceeding the critical level for the vegetables. This might increase the transformation risk of the mentioned heavy metals in the food chain