Effect of Marginal-Quality Irrigation on Accumulation of some Heavy Metals (Mn, Pb, and Zn) in TypicTorripsamment Soils and Food Crops

Lack of active sorption sites in sandy soils renders metals added by irrigation water more labile and increases their soil-to-plant transfer. Thus, this study investigated the long-term impacts using sewage effluents contaminated groundwater on metal accumulations TypicTorripsamment soils, edible parts food crops. Nine El-Gabal El-Asfar farm, south-eastern to Nile Delta Egypt, were selected. At each site, water, soil (0–30 cm), crop’s part sampled triplicates analyzed for Mn, Pb, Zn. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences concentrations among sources. constant caused spatial variations total available contents soils. Total Pb (in four sites) Zn all exceed lithosphere range, while three exceeded safe limits The index geo-accumulation indicated no Mn pollution but showed elevated risks high availability ratios, proving effect light texture. multivariate statistical analysis that had similar geochemical behaviors Metal surpassed limits. bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was less than 1.0 higher Pb. highest BAFs occurred cabbage leaves, indicating phytoextraction potential species. Sufficient treatment proper remediation techniques are recommended alleviate accumulation crops transfer via chain.