Assessment of Pb and Zn contents in agricultural soils and soybean crops near to a former battery recycling plant in Córdoba, Argentina.

J. H. RODRIGUEZ; BIOL. MARÍA JULIETA SALAZAR; L. STEFFAN; M. L. PIGNATA; J. FRANZARING; A. KLUMP; A. FANGMEIER

JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2014 vol. 145 p. 129 - 134

0375-6742

A field study was conducted in the vicinity of a former battery recicling plant. Heavy metal content (Pb and Zn), toxicological risk of seed consumption of soybean crops [Glycine Max (L.) Merr.] and their relation with seed quality were evaluated. The concentrations of Pb and Zn in soybeans (roots, stems and seeds) and top soils were investigated and their potential risk to the health of consumers was estimated. In addition, quality seed parameters (standard germination test, tetrazolium test, biomass, weigth of 1000 seeds and water content) were evaluated. The results show that concentrations of Pb and Zn in soybeans at all sites (controls as close to the smelting) were above the maximum permitted levels, whereas only in soils close to the former recycling plant were exceeded the maximum permitted levels for Pb. However, soybeans grown nearby to Pb- smelting not represent a toxicological hazard for human consumption. Seed quality decreased as the lead increased in seeds corresponding to sites near the former battery recycling plant. Furthermore, the greater accumulation of Zn in seeds corresponding to sites with higher Pb content in soil could be related to an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity with Zn as catalyst. Taking into account these findings more studies need to be performed in order to evaluate all parameters influencing on mobility and bioavailability of toxic metals in agricultural soils, with the purpose of not only assess the current state of crops in terms of food security, but also to evaluate possible soil remediation techniques.