Accumulation of Potentially Toxic Metals in Egyptian Alluvial Soils, Berseem Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), and Groundwater after Long-Term Wastewater Irrigation

The reduced availability of water resources in Egypt has imposed the need to intensify use wastewater for crop irrigation alluvial soils. Relevant effects can derive from contents potentially toxic metals (PTMs) supply soils, crops, and groundwater these areas. For this reason PTM content be monitored evaluate minimize health hazards. Therefore, context, two areas SE Nile Delta subjected 25 year irrigation, using agricultural drainage (ADW) mixed (MWW) were chosen compared with a nearby site irrigated freshwater (NFW). At each three sites, ten samples water, topsoil, berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) plants, seven collected analyzed Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn. Results indicate that total Zn soils sampling sites Pb MWW-irrigated higher than their average natural earth’s crust, indicating potential risks. DTPA-extractable Cu addition exceeded safe limits. showed considerable degree metal contamination, while NFW- ADW-irrigated moderate low levels respectively. six PTMs individual ecological risks, except risk; however, overall risk remained all samples. values Ni shoot over maximum permissible animal feeding. Values root-to-shoot translocation factor lower 1.0 Co but Berssem plant is good candidate phytofiltration extracting polluted concentrations limits drinking standards. Further remediation studies should taken into account alleviate environmental health-related risks when different freshwater.