Potential Pb, Cd, Zn and B contamination of sandy soils after different irrigation periods with sewage effluent

• Published in: Water, air, and soil pollution air, and soil pollution, 1993-02, Vol.66 (3-4), p.239-249
• Main Authors: EL-HASSANIN, A. S, LABIB, T. M, DOBAL, A. T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Heavy metals; Irrigation; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; Q1; Sewage; Soil and sediments pollution
• ISSN: 0049-6979; 1573-2932
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00479848

Sandy soils in 2 areas of Egypt have been irrigated with sewage effluent for periods of up to 5 years in one area and up to 67 years in the other. The concentrations of trace elements (lead, cadmium, zinc and boron) at different depths in the soils were determined and the results are summarized. There were significant increases in total and available forms of the metals with increase in period of irrigation. Lead, cadmium and zinc accumulated in the surface layers of the soil but boron accumulated at lower depths. The relative percentages of available to total forms of the metals indicated that lead and boron were of low solubility and availability compared with the other elements. Although the concentrations of the metals had not reached toxic levels after 67 years, careful management is recommended for continuous use of sewage effluent for irrigation. There are 30 references.