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Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Soil and Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2021) | Viewed by 33173

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Prof. Dr. Radim Vácha

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Guest Editor

Institute for Soil and Water Conservation, Žabovřeská 250, 156 27 Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: soil contamination; potentially risky elements; persistent organic pollutants; contaminant assessment and monitoring; soil remediation; soil degradation; soil protection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Agriculture is not only a traditional source of food but also an anthropogenic activity that strongly influences our environment. Agricultural activities modify landscape character and can cause changes in the environmental quality of individual components such as soil, water or biota. On the other hand, agriculture and environmental quality can be markedly influenced by industry, traffic, and other anthropogenic activities. Environmental contamination by heavy metals has been an important topic in recent decades. Heavy metals belong to a very well-known group of environmental contaminants and can strongly influence soil functions, water quality, food chain quality, and human health. Our current knowledge includes the definition of heavy metals’ inputs into agricultural systems, analysis of possible risks, and the potential of remediation techniques focused on the reduction of risks following from contamination.

This Agronomy Special Issue will welcome contributions in this field of interest, including the sources of heavy metals in agriculture, problems related to monitoring and assessment of heavy metals, inputs and monitoring of heavy metals in food chains, risk assessment, possible tools for heavy metal contamination management in agriculture, and the remediation techniques applicable in agriculture.

Dr. Radim Vácha
Guest Editor

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Keywords

heavy metals
agricultural soil
monitoring and assessment
plant production and food chain quality
risk assessment
legal instruments
remediation techniques

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 190 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture

by Radim Vácha

Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1719; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091719 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3740

Abstract

The contamination of agricultural soils by heavy metals is one of the most important methods of soil degradation (EU Soil Thematic Strategy) [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

16 pages, 1472 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effect of Compost and Fly Ash Treatment of Contaminated Soil on the Immobilisation and Bioavailability of Lead

by Monika Jakubus and Małgorzata Graczyk

Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061188 - 10 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2460

Abstract

The study discusses changes in lead contents in soil and crops after application of compost and fly ash. A three-year experiment was conducted on narrow-leaved lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.), camelina (Camelina sativa L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.), which were grown on medium soil fertilised with compost or fly ash (FA). The lead amounts in various combinations were evaluated using sequential (BCR analysis) and single (DTPA solution) methods. The total contents of lead and amounts of selected macronutrients were assessed in the biomass of plants. The Pb contents in the soil and plants were used to calculate the risk assessment code (RAC), individual contamination factor (ICF), bioconcentration factor (BCF) and contamination coefficient level (CCL). Lower amounts of bioavailable Pb in the soil were observed as a result of compost and FA application. Fly ash immobilised Pb more effectively, as evidenced by the BCF and CCL values. The increase in the Pb contents in the sequentially separated fractions and in plant biomass were caused by applied compost or FA. The Pb contents in exchangeable forms decreased, whereas its contents in residual forms increased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture)

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16 pages, 5126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Controlling Factors of Bioaccumulation of Selected Metal(loid)s in Various Soil–Cereal Crop Systems within Cultivated Fluvisols

by Jan Skála, Radim Vácha and Jarmila Čechmánková

Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061180 - 10 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1954

Abstract

The paired Fluvisol and cereal samples in both the field screening and controlled experiments are reported to elucidate the soil–crop relationship for As, Cd, and Pb in relation to changing contamination levels. Significant varietal differences in plant uptake were observed for crop type (barley, triticale) and the harvested part of the crop (oat shoots and grain). When parametrizing the stepwise regression models, the inclusion of soil properties often improved the performance of soil–crop models but diverse critical soil parameters were retained in the model for individual metal(loid)s. The pH value was often a statistically significant variable for Cd uptake. For As and Pb, the more successful model fit was achieved using the indicators of quantity or quality of soil organic matter, but always with lower inherent model reliability compared to Cd. Further, a single correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationship between extractable metal concentrations in soil solution and their crop accumulation. For Cd, there were strong intercorrelations among single extractions, the NH₄NO₃ extraction stood out with perfect correlation with plant uptake in both experiments. For As and Pb, the CaCl₂ and Na₂EDTA solutions outperformed other single extractions and were the better choice for the assessment of depositional fluvial substrates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture)

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14 pages, 2243 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Use Bottom Sediment to Agriculture—Effect on Plant and Heavy Metal Content in Soil

by Witold Kazberuk, Wiesław Szulc and Beata Rutkowska

Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061077 - 26 May 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4092

Abstract

Removing bottom sediment from water reservoirs and rivers can, on the one hand, be an effective method to restore lakes, and on the other—be used for plant production, ensuring the recycling of nutrients. The aim of this research was to evaluate the possibilities of using various types of bottom sediment and its impact on heavy metal content in soil and plants. For this purpose, a pot experiment was carried out using white mustard (Sinapis alba) as a test plant. The total content of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb) was determined in soil and plant. The addition of all types of bottom sediment increased heavy metal content in the soil. The results indicate that adding bottom sediment resulted in a significant increase in plant yield in comparison to the control. The highest yield as a result of direct effect was obtained for a combination with a 5% addition of dam sediment, while as a result of residual effect, the highest yield was achieved for a mixture with a 10% addition of pond sediment. The values of the transfer factor (TF = Cplant/Csoil) indicate a high accumulation of zinc and low accumulation of lead in the plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture)

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13 pages, 1265 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparison of the Concentration of Risk Elements in Alluvial Soils Determined by pXRF In Situ, in the Laboratory, and by ICP-OES

by Ladislav Menšík, Lukáš Hlisnikovský, Pavel Nerušil and Eva Kunzová

Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 938; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050938 - 10 May 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2643

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the concentrations of risk elements (As, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in alluvial soil, which were measured by a portable X-ray fluorescence analyser (pXRF) in situ (FIELD) and in the laboratory (LABORATORY). Subsequently, regression equations were developed for individual elements through the method of construction of the regression model, which compare the results of pXRF with classical laboratory analysis (ICP-OES). The accuracy of the measurement, expressed by the coefficient of determination (R²), was as follows in the case of FIELD–ICP-OES: Pb (0.96), Zn (0.92), As (0.72), Mn (0.63), Cu (0.31) and Ni (0.01). In the case of LABORATORY–ICP-OES, the coefficients had values: Pb (0.99), Zn (0.98), Cu and Mn (0.89), As (0.88), Ni (0.81). A higher dependence of the relationship was recorded between LABORATORY–ICP-OES than between FIELD–ICP-OES. An excellent relationship was recorded for the elements Pb and Zn, both for FIELD and LABORATORY (R² higher than 0.90). The elements Cu, Mn and As have a worse tightness in the relationship; however, the results of the model have shown its applicability for common use, e.g., in agricultural practice or in monitoring the quality of the environment. Based on our results, we can say that pXRF instruments can provide highly accurate results for the concentration of risk elements in the soil in real time for some elements and meet the principle of precision agriculture: an efficient, accurate and fast method of analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture)

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11 pages, 1276 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of the Degree of Soil Contamination with Heavy Metals on Their Mobility in the Soil Profile in a Microplot Experiment

by Dorota Pikuła and Wojciech Stępień

Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050878 - 29 Apr 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4223

Abstract

Adjusting Polish law to EU standards, many studies were started in the 1990s on the harmfulness of presumably contaminating elements (PCE) to the environment and the quality of plants intended produced for food purposes. For this reason, in 1987, a unique microplate experiment was established on natural soils artificially contaminated with copper, zinc, lead and cadmium oxides (up to the pollution level of class I, II and III). The soils were diversified in terms of pH (through liming), organic matter content (through the addition of brown coal) and the grain size composition of the humus level (Ap) (strong clay sand and light silt clay). After 14 years from the introduction of different rates of metals into the top layer (0–30 cm) of the two soils studied, relatively large movement of heavy metals in the soil profile occurred. The amount of leached metals depended mainly on the rate of a given element. The more contaminated was the soil was, the heavier the metals that leached to lower genetic levels of soil. Contaminated soils always had a higher concentration of individual metals in Et than in Bt level. The content of the tested metals in the Et layer was determined in HCl (1 mol·dm⁻³) and compared to the humus level. Only at the soil depth below 50 cm (Bt), the content of the studied metals’ forms was much lower than in the surface levels. The calculated mobility coefficients of the tested metals determined in 1 M HCl indicate a larger movement of the tested metals in lighter soils than in medium soils. The highest displacement coefficients were obtained for cadmium, while the lowest were for lead. An increase in mobility was obtained alongside an increase in soil contamination with the heavy metals studied. By analyzing the mobility coefficients (heavy metal increase in the Bt and Et layers), they can be ranked in the following decreasing sequence: on light soils: Cd > Cu > Zn > Pb and on medium soils: Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture)

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11 pages, 268 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Supplementation of Organic Amendments Improve Yield and Adaptability by Reducing the Toxic Effect of Copper in Cocksfoot Grass (Dactylis glomerata L. Cv Amera)

by Beata Kuziemska, Joanna Trębicka, Andrzej Wysokinski and Dawid Jaremko

Agronomy 2021, 11(4), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040791 - 16 Apr 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2267

Abstract

Copper is an element necessary for the proper growth and development of plants, but when taken in excess amounts, it can be toxic. Its availability for plant can be reduced by using organic fertilizers or soil liming. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of increasing doses of copper (100, 200, and 300 mg Cu·kg⁻¹ of soil) application in combination with various organic amendments (cattle manure, chicken manure, and spent mushroom substrate) on the yield of cocksfoot and its content and uptake of this metal, and to determine its coefficient of bioaccumulation and tolerance indices. The toxic effect of copper manifested by significant decrease in the yield of the test plant was after the application of 300 mg·kg⁻¹ of soil. Increasing doses of copper application increased its content and uptake by the test plant, while observing the decreasing bioaccumulation factor. All the soil amendments reduced the toxic effect of copper on cocksfoot. The most effective organic amendment in terms of yield and protective effects against high levels of copper was cattle manure, in the case of which the Org/Cu and Cu/Org tolerance indices were highest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture)

14 pages, 4182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study to Determine Levels of Cadmium in Cocoa Crops Applied to Inland Areas of Peru: “The Case of the Campo Verde-Honoria Tournavista Corridor”

by Jimmy Aurelio Rosales-Huamani, Jorge Luis Breña-Ore, Svitlana Sespedes-Varkarsel, Luis Huamanchumo de la Cuba, Luis Centeno-Rojas, Alonso Otiniano-Zavala, Joseps Andrade-Choque, Santiago Valverde-Espinoza and Jose Luis Castillo-Sequera

Agronomy 2020, 10(10), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10101576 - 15 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4971

Abstract

The presence of cadmium (Cd) in cocoa crops is currently a serious problem for farmers and producers in various regions of South America. Because its exports of cocoa and derivatives to European markets are threatened by possible signs of contamination in cocoa beans for export. Territories with a low organic component predated and exploited by illegal logging, burning and the intensity of unsustainable land use is common in large Amazonian areas in countries of the region. These factors were incorporated in statistical analysis in order to relate them to the contents of Cd in soil, leaves and beans in the study areas located in Peru. Such as the Campo Verde-Honoria-Tournavista corridor (Ucayali Region and Huanuco Region). Cadmium concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. As a consequence of this study, we determined and concluded that the observed difference in distribution of Cd contents by sectors can be explained by previous land use and age of cocoa crop. Indeed, the average content of Cd in soil in all cocoa growing areas is higher than the standard established by the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment (MINAM). However, when the measurements obtained in previously predated and exploited sectors are not considered, the Hotelling’s

T^{2}

simultaneous 90% confidence interval contains the value of the Peruvian standard 1.4 mg/kg. Therefore, with this information we prepare a geochemical Cd map in soils for the study area, which will help cocoa producers to identify areas that exceed the allowed Cd values. In this way, we can carry out in the future a mitigation plan for areas with Cd problems, which allows to reduce their content with major challenges to sustainable agriculture and rural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture)

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11 pages, 417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Different Doses of Sewage Sludge and Liming on Total Cobalt Content and its Speciation in Soil

by Elżbieta Malinowska and Kazimierz Jankowski

Agronomy 2020, 10(10), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10101550 - 11 Oct 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2170

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of liming and various doses of municipal sewage sludge (5, 10, and 15% of the weight of the soil) on cobalt total content and its speciation. The incubation experiment lasted 420 days and was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions. Soil was sampled after 30, 60, 90, and 120 days and then, with a break of 180 days, after 360 and 420 days. In all samples, cobalt total content was determined by means of ICP-AES (emission spectrophotometer), and fractions of this metal were measured with the seven-step Zeien and Brümmer method, with seven of them separated: F1–easily soluble, F2–exchangeable, F3–bound to MnOx, F4–bound to organic matter, F5–bound to amorphous FeOx, F6–bound to crystalline FeOx, and F7–residual. Compared to the control, the average content of total cobalt in the soil increased more than two times in experimental units with higher doses of sewage sludge (10% and 15% of the weight of the soil). The metal was mainly bound to the residual fraction, where it constituted 40% of its total content, while in the organic fraction, its share was 20%. In the soil incubated with sludge, cobalt in mobile fractions constituted a small percentage of its total content. Liming limited the release of this metal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture)

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18 pages, 2099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genotypic Variability of Photosynthetic Parameters in Maize Ear-Leaves at Different Cadmium Levels in Soil

by Mario Franić, Vlatko Galić, Zdenko Lončarić and Domagoj Šimić

Agronomy 2020, 10(7), 986; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10070986 - 9 Jul 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2672

Abstract

Excess of cadmium (Cd) in soil leads to a number of adverse effects which challenge agricultural production. Aims of this study were to investigate variations in Cd content in leaves (Zea mays L.) of different maize genotypes and to detect effects of Cd on photosynthesis through chlorophyll a fluorescence. Pot vegetation experiments with four maize genotypes and four different soil Cd levels were repeated for two years. Chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis for ear-leaf Cd and zinc (Zn) and soil Cd were carried out. Significant differences between genotypes were found for leaf Cd, where higher Cd soil concentrations resulted in higher Cd leaf concentrations. Cd uptake into maize leaves increased with increasing Cd levels in soil, which was genotype-dependent and higher and lower Cd accumulating groups were formed. Changes in chlorophyll fluorescence caused by elevated Cd levels in soil were mostly visible as changes in dissipation energy, yields of primary photosystem II photochemistry and electron transport. Decrease of reaction centers per antenna chlorophyll and increased variable fluorescence at J step (V_J) resulted in decrease of performance indexes in the highest Cd concentration. Decreases in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters suggest reduced functionality of reaction centers and problems in re-oxidation of primary quinone acceptor (Q_A). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metal Pollution and Its Effects on Agriculture)

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