Trace Metals in Phosphate Fertilizers Used in Eastern Mediterranean Countries

Abstract

Phosphate fertilizers represent a major source of trace metal contaminants in agricultural soils. To predict the inputs and the fate of trace metals in soils of the eastern Mediterranean region, a speciation study was conducted using a total of 44 phosphate fertilizers commercialized in the area. The contents in major anions and potentially toxic metals (Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The nature of mineral phases in the fertilizer was characterized using X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The results show that sulfates are the main Cd‐bearing phases when present in the P‐fertilizer. The contents in Zn and Pb were linearly related, whereas the levels of Sb, Ag, Pd, Nb, Mo, and P2O5 were strongly correlated to each other. The annual average inputs of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd were calculated to be 922, 124, 26, and 6 g/ha per year, respectively. Even though such inputs comply with the maximal metals concentrations authorized in temperate countries, an accumulation of those metals in the typical arid and alkaline soils of the eastern Mediterranean countries is expected.

Hydrogeochemical Processes in a Small Eastern Mediterranean Karst Watershed (Nahr Ibrahim, Lebanon)

“…Nevertheless, an additional contribution in SO 4 2and K + detected close to the outlet during the dry season, probably corresponds to a contribution of the local aquifer or even a slight input in fertilizers from irrigation flows (Azzi et al 2017).…”

“…The C4 cretaceous formation that occurs around Janneh as anoxic marls containing some pyrite, might contribute to the release of both K + and SO 4 2-. The leaching of fertilizers used in agriculture could also account for the presence of those two ions (Azzi et al 2017).…”

Enrichment and Bioavailability of Toxic Elements in Intensive Vegetable Production Areas1

“…Phosphate and potassium fertilizers and NPK formulas are the most used in agricultural properties in the study region. Several authors have reported that natural phosphates and soluble phosphate fertilizers are the main sources of Cd in agricultural areas, while Pb, Cu, and Zn are more abundant in potassium fertilizers and NPK formulas (ZOFFOLI et al, 2013; AL-HWAITI; AL- KHASHMAN, 2015;AZZI et al, 2017).…”

Сadmium and essential metal nanoparticles influence on the antioxidant metabolism parameters of lettuce plants

“…Аграрному сектору України і світу традиційно властиве щорічне збільшення використання мінеральних добрив, збагачених солями важких металів і хелатних комплексів, що створює додаткове антропогенне навантаження на ґрунти та фітоценози (наприклад, до складу фосфорних добрив входять солі кадмію у вигляді мікродомішок) [3].…”