This investigation was conducted on nine sites at Helwan-El Saff area, Cairo, and Giza governorates (polluted area), and on three sites, in Metrabeaa village, Monofia governorate (control). This study aimed to assess the impact of wastewater irrigation on soil and plants. Water, soil, and plants samples were collected from El-Khashab canal (polluted water) and from Al-Bagoria canal (Nile water) and from the cultivated land sites adjacent to them. The values of EC, SAR, available N, OM and most of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, and Pb) were significantly higher, in wastewater samples and soil under wastewater irrigation than control. There were significant differences regarding shoot and / or root content of N, P, K, crude protein, ash, heavy metals in all studied plants grown in the different sites. Garlic and onion accumulated most of studied heavy metals in their roots, while cabbage, lettuce and turnip accumulated high concentration of metals in their different organs, especially in their shoot; so, they could be used as phytoextractors. The heavy metals concentration in most of the studied plants exceeded the permissible level. This research declared that wastewater of El-Khashab canal improved soil fertility and OM content, but with risks as heavy metals may threaten sustainable agriculture. The agricultural lands in this area are not suitable for growing vegetables, especially leafy ones, due to their high ability to absorb, translocate and accumulate high concentrations of heavy metals in their edible parts. However, other plants might be cultivated in this area.
This investigation was conducted on nine sites at Helwan -El Saff area, Cairo, and Giza governorates (polluted area), and three sites, in Metrabeaa village, Monofia governorate (control). This study aimed to assess the impact of wastewater irrigation on soil quality and to test the possibility of using it as an alternative for fresh water in irrigation of agricultural land. Water and soil samples were collected from El-Khashab canal (polluted water) and Al-Bagoria canal (Nile water) and cultivated land sites adjacent to them during two seasons (July 2019 and July 2020). The values of electric conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), studied cations, anions and heavy metals were significantly higher; in wastewater samples than in Nile water samples; meanwhile, the opposite was true for hydrogen ion concentration (pH), available nitrogen and phosphorus (N and P). The values of EC, Ca ++ , Na + , Cl -, SO4 --, CaCO3,organic matter (OM) and all studied heavy metals increased in soil irrigated with wastewater as compared with the soil irrigated with Nile water; meanwhile, the opposite was true for pH, Mg ++ , soluble K + , and HCO3 -. The values of contamination factor followed the order: Co ˃ Cr ˃ Zn ˃ Mn ˃ Fe ˃ Cu ˃ Pb. Moreover, the pollution load index of soil ranged from 25.81 to 16.16. The data of this research revealed that wastewater of El-Khashab canal could effectively be used as fertility source for soil, but there are some risks as heavy metals may threaten sustainable agriculture in the study area.
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