Transport Factor Comparative Study of Some Heavy Metals Transfer from Soils to Fruits in Turabah Farms

Momen, A. (2024). Transport Factor Comparative Study of Some Heavy Metals Transfer from Soils to Fruits in Turabah Farms. French-Ukrainian Journal of Chemistry, 12(1), 139–156. https://doi.org/10.17721/fujcV12I1P139-156

The study aimed to determine transfer factor (TF) of heavy metals (HM) from soils to fruits in Wadi Turabah agricultural farms. This is in order to obtain information on retention mechanisms of metals in soils and their ability to transfer from soils to fruits. Obtained results (HM contents) were compared to those reported by FAO/WHO acceptable limits. Also TF values were compared to those stated in recent related studies. Fruit samples include cantaloupe melon, grape, pomegranate, mandarin and lemon. While, soil samples include surface soil (SS) and depth soil (DS) collected from same study area. Samples were digested by microwave-assisted oven and HM (Mn, Pb Cr, As and Cd) were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). As and Pb were detected in almost all soil and fruit samples, while Cr and Mn were detected in all soil samples and not detected in other fruit samples except grape. Elevated levels of As and Mn were measured in fruit and soil samples respectively. However, general concentrations of studied HM in fruits from Turabah farms were lower than maximum permissible concentrations in fruits given by FAO/WHO. Results confirm that fruits in the study areas were safe and can be used for human consumptions. Statistical test revealed that concentration of HM were statistically significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) in examined samples. Results indicate that Pb (TF = 0.774) transfer more than As (TF = 0.539), Cr (TF = 0.003), Mn and Cd (TF < 0.002). This indicates that general ability of HM to transfer from soils to fruits were low (TF < 1). Statistical tests (P ˂ 0.05) indicate that obtained TF values were not differ significantly between different plant species grown in same location.