Lead transfer in the soil-root-plant system in a highly contaminated Andean area.

ABSTRACT: Lead (Pb) is highly toxic heavy metal that is detrimental to the food system. There are large mining and metallurgical companies in the central highlands of Peru that have been active for almost a century and contribute to air, water, and soil pollution, affecting food quality and causing damage to the environment and human health. Our study, conducted in 2018, assessed the content and transfer of lead in the soil-root-plant system in the high Andean grasslands in a geographical area near the metallurgical complex of La Oroya. Lead levels were measured in 120 samples of top soil (0-20 cm), roots, and grass shoots by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. No significant differences were found between the soil pH, organic matter content, and lead among the samples evaluated (P > 0.05).

SUBMITTER: Castro-Bedrinana J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7792523 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature