Effect of industrial effluent on content of nutrient and heavy metals in plant and soil

Abstract

Effect of continuous irrigation with sewage effluent on soil properties and status of nutrients and pollutant elements in soils and plants in the adjoining areas of Agra and Mathura cities of Uttar Pradesh was ascertained. The physical properties of soils improved due to sewage water irrigation. An appreciable increase in organic carbon available N, P, K contents was recorded in the sewage water irrigated soils. Electrical conductivity of sewage water irrigated soils was much below the threshold limit of salinity. Application of sewage water resulted in the accumulation of heavy metals in surface soil. The mean contents of total Cd, Cr, Pb in the soils irrigated with sewage water were 2.85, 75.40 and 40.26 mg kg-1, respectively. The mean values of available Cd, Cr and Pb in soils were 0.21, 0.33 and 1.27 mg kg-1, respectively. The concentration of Cr in lettuce, cabbage and berseem plants grown on sewage water was higher as compared to its tolerance level indicating their accumulation in plants. In general, Cd was relatively higher in lettuce (0.88 mg kg-1). On the other hand, berseem contained relatively higher amount of Cr and Pb.