Bioaccumulation and translocation of trace elements in soil-irrigation water-wheat in arid agricultural areas of Xin Jiang, China

Abstract

Pollution resulting from toxic trace elements is an increasing concern around the world especially in developing countries such as China. Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural development are the dominant sources of anthropogenic contamination contributing to an increased potential toxicity of trace elements in the irrigation water-soil-food chain. Xin Jiang of China is a reserved cultivated land development area that could provide the most extensive strategic support for food production and arable land security in China. Thus, it is crucial to investigate the bioaccumulation and translocation of trace elements in order to assess the ecological and human health risks in the traditional oasis system of the agricultural areas in Bay Cheng County, Xin Jiang.This study analysed the levels of trace elements in different layers of the soil, the irrigation water and the wheat plants, and the relationships among them. The results indicated that cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) were the primary pollutants in soils and wheats respectively, and they fell into the serious pollution category. However, no trace elements over the pollution limits were detected in irrigation water. The maximum values of trace elements appeared in the soil layers at 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm. The second pollution levels of trace elements in the soil layers were found at 0-5 cm and 0-20 cm, which were higher than those at 20-80 cm. In wheat a high amounts of absorption for Se, Cr, Zn and Cu, but low for Pb were detected in different parts of the plant. The roots of wheats were more eco-toxic to Cd, Co and Pb than other tissues, indicating that roots were more effective at absorbing Cd, Co and Pb, as these metals are usually toxic in the soil. Se, Cu and Zn showed a higher ability of being transferred from soils to the edible parts of crops. The bio-transfer factors of Zn, Mo, Cu, Mg and Mn were considerably higher than those of other elements. The average cancer risk of As, Cd, Co, Ni and TCR in wheat grains exceeded the safety reference limit 3

Cadmium accumulation and transfer in yellowish-brown and limestone soils of five potato varieties based on a pot experiment in the central Hanjiang River basin

“…The capacity for Cd enrichment and transfer in the soil-potato system was comprehensively analyzed. The bio-concentration factor (BCF) and transfer coefficients (TCs) were used as indicators of Cd′s enrichment and transfer capacity (Vystavna et al, 2015;Tudi et al, 2020). The BCF, defined as the ratio of heavy metal concentrations in potato tubers to those in the soil, served as a measure of the potato's ability to accumulate heavy metals relative to the soil.…”

Exposure Routes and Health Risks Associated with Pesticide Application

“…The deterministic risk assessment method is widely used in environmental and public health contexts [68,[157][158][159][160][161][162][163][164]. It uses a single point to evaluate risk [68,165].…”

Composition of some trace elements in wheat plant and soil

“…One of the most important economic sectors in the world, especially in developing nations, is agriculture, and agricultural practices have a direct impact on food safety (Tudi et al, 2021). Considering various soil pollutants, trace elements and heavy metals pose a serious danger to human and animal health due to their toxicity and persistence.…”