METALS IN RICE PRODUCING SOILS OF THE JUNCAL DISTRICT, HUILA – COLOMBIA

Abstract

Heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Pb, Mn, Cu and Zn from agrochemical products applied in the control of weeds and pests are common contaminants of the soil under rice cultivation. Certain heavy metals in low concentration agricultural soils are essential for plant growth (Mn, Cu and Zn), but some metals are highly toxic to humans. These toxic heavy metals can be absorbed and accumulated by plants and eventually enter the human body through food intake. The environmental issue such as food security related to rice and heavy metals has attracted substantial attention recently due to its impact on natural resources and the population living in areas exposed to heavy metal contamination. To evaluate the concentration of some metals in soils, nine farms dedicated to intensive rice production were selected, and some physical and chemical properties of the soil were analyzed using standardized techniques and methods; the concentration of metals was measured with atomic absorption spectroscopy using the EPA 3050B methodology. The concentration of heavy metals analyzed was in the normal range, except for the element Cadmium, which was higher than 1.1 mg / kg in 6 of the 9 farms, and the element manganese in the La Pista farm, where a light aircraft base operates. dedicated to the fumigation of agrochemicals