Chromium, copper, nickel and zinc uptake in corn (zea mays l.) irr

Issue Date

12-2007

Abstract

Due to the scarcity of freshwater supply, effluent from industries is significantly becoming an alternative in irrigating crops. Despite its nutrient-rich components, there are some apprehensions in utilizing it because it contains heavy metals, which are detrimental when present in critical amounts. This study investigated the uptake of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in corn irrigated with electroplating effluent using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results indicated greater accumulation of the said elements in the root rather than in the shoot tissues. The amount of Cr, Ni and Zn in the root tissues increased with the increasing concentrations of electroplating effluents. In the shoot tissues, greater accumulation of Ni (14 and 16 ppm) at 75% and 100% was determined, while the concentrations of Zn, Cr and Cu were in limited amounts. The metal accumulation profile of the roots tissues in 100% effluent was in the order of Ni (427.7 ppm) > Zn (77.1 ppm) > Cr (46.6ppm) > Cu (31.0 ppm) wile in the shoot tissues it was in the order of Zn (33ppm) > Ni (16.3 ppm) > Cu (7.8ppm) > Cr (2.8 ppm). The concentrations of these elements in corn tissue fall below the reported critical levels in plants. Hence, the use of electroplating effluents in irrigating corn is a feasible option.

Source or Periodical Title

Journal of Environmental Science and Management

ISSN

0119-1144

Volume

10

Issue

2

Page

49-58

Document Type

Article

College

School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

tables, graphs,

Language

English

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