The relationship between minerals of soil and cacti may be an indicator of the distribution of these plants. The aim of this study was to determine the mineralogical composition of soils and its relationship with cacti in southeastern Chihuahua. Soil sampling was conducted in 2009 at 34 sites, samples were then analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Student t test to determine the relation among types and percentage of minerals, soil types and cacti species. The laboratory analyses identified 15 minerals, quartz, calcite, albite and sanidine being the dominant and correlated with the presence of 32 cacti species, Opuntia engelmannii, O. imbricata and O. leptocaulis being the most frequent. There were more cacti on tuffs and limestone derived soils compared to basalts and granites derived soils. The Student's t test provided evidence (p < 0.05) of the significant relationship between sanidine with O. leptocaulis and O. macrocentra. Bayer's theorem indicated that calcite, quartz and sanidine were related to O. engelmannii (31.99 %), O. macrocentra (27.86 %) and O. leptocaulis (28.13 %), respectively. Summarizing, sanidine, calcite and quartz were the minerals related to cacti; cacti were more diverse on tuff, rhyolite and limestone derived soils and scarce in basalt, alluvial and conglomerate derived soils.
The aim of this study was to quantify major and trace elements in the water, soil, and plants (Carya illionensis) in an agricultural area; and to determine the health risks associated with the walnuts ingestion by calculating the risk quotient. Samples of water, soil, tree leaves, and walnuts were collected; in total, 135 samples were analyzed. Physicochemical parameters were obtained in irrigation water and soil samples. Elemental measurements were performed in an ICP, -OES and -MS. In addition, the distribution coefficient (soil–water), transfer factor (soil–plant), and hazard quotient were evaluated. In the irrigation water, As, Cr, and Pb, showed concentrations above the maximum allowable limits. Likewise, high concentrations of As, Cr, Pb, and Sb were found in tree leave samples, indicating a possible tendency of hyperaccumulation of those elements. Furthermore, Cr concentrations in walnuts were high by far than the reference value (FAO/WHO). A possible competition between chemical congeners were detected from transfer factors. Although, Sb concentrations in walnuts were also high, and no legislation for it in fruits exists. The hazard risk quotient for Sb did indicate a potential health risk. Finally, it is important to consider that the health risk increases when exposure through consumption takes place over a prolonged period of time, even in low concentrations.
El objetivo fue conocer la contaminación por metales en sedimentos de la Laguna de Bustillos y comparar dos métodos de digestión (agua regia y peróxido). Se obtuvieron muestras en 15 puntos aleatorios de la superficie (0-10 cm) y de la parte inferior (10-20 cm). El análisis se realizó en un ICP-OES cuantificando cromo (Cr), fierro (Fe), litio (Li), magnesio (Mg), manganeso (Mn), níquel (Ni), zinc (Zn), cobalto (Co), cobre (Cu), plomo (Pb) y estroncio (Sr). Se efectuó un ANOVA bajo un arreglo factorial 2x2. Los resultados mostraron diferencias por el método de digestión (P<0.05), pero no por profundidad (P>0.05) o la interacción (P>0.05). La concentración de Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu y Pb no superó las normas nacionales o internacionales y para Li, Mg, Co y Sr no existen estándares.
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