Variability in Heavy Metal Concentrations Among Field-Grown Vegetables
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Agriculture Systems
Minor
Computer Science
Institution 25-26
Kentucky State University
KY House District #
57
KY Senate District #
14
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. George Antonious
Department
Agriculture
Abstract
Heavy metals are among the most critical environmental toxins posing serious risks to human health. They originate from diverse sources, including industrial activities, mining operations, and agricultural practices. In agriculture, toxic metal contamination can result from the use of fertilizers, pesticides, livestock manure, and wastewater. Despite this, the mobility of heavy metals from agricultural soils into edible fruits and vegetables has received limited attention from soil scientists. Manure refers to organic materials derived from animal dung—such as cattle and poultry waste—as well as other bulky natural substances applied to soils as fertilizers to enhance crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of five soil treatments—municipal sewage sludge, chicken manure, cow manure, vermicompost, and unamended native soil (control plots)—on the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in crops at harvest. The study examined three varieties each of lettuce (Lactuca sativa: Romaine, Bibb, and Butterhead), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus: Sugar Baby, Crimson, and Charleston Grey), and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo, Renegade, Howden, and Gumdrop). The primary objective was to assess heavy metal accumulation in edible plant parts resulting from different soil amendments. Results showed that concentrations of Ni, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd varied significantly among the three crop genotypes and among varieties within the same species. Zink (Zn) was significantly greater in pumpkin varieties Gumdrop and Howden compared to variety Renegade. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring heavy metal concentrations in edible plants to ensure compliance with FAO permissible limits prior to market distribution. Overall, this study provides valuable information for crop producers seeking cost-effective organic fertilizers while maintaining food safety standards.
Variability in Heavy Metal Concentrations Among Field-Grown Vegetables
Heavy metals are among the most critical environmental toxins posing serious risks to human health. They originate from diverse sources, including industrial activities, mining operations, and agricultural practices. In agriculture, toxic metal contamination can result from the use of fertilizers, pesticides, livestock manure, and wastewater. Despite this, the mobility of heavy metals from agricultural soils into edible fruits and vegetables has received limited attention from soil scientists. Manure refers to organic materials derived from animal dung—such as cattle and poultry waste—as well as other bulky natural substances applied to soils as fertilizers to enhance crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of five soil treatments—municipal sewage sludge, chicken manure, cow manure, vermicompost, and unamended native soil (control plots)—on the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in crops at harvest. The study examined three varieties each of lettuce (Lactuca sativa: Romaine, Bibb, and Butterhead), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus: Sugar Baby, Crimson, and Charleston Grey), and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo, Renegade, Howden, and Gumdrop). The primary objective was to assess heavy metal accumulation in edible plant parts resulting from different soil amendments. Results showed that concentrations of Ni, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd varied significantly among the three crop genotypes and among varieties within the same species. Zink (Zn) was significantly greater in pumpkin varieties Gumdrop and Howden compared to variety Renegade. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring heavy metal concentrations in edible plants to ensure compliance with FAO permissible limits prior to market distribution. Overall, this study provides valuable information for crop producers seeking cost-effective organic fertilizers while maintaining food safety standards.