Crop contamination by selected trace elements: Categorization of agricultural soils from the viewpoint of risk assessment

Goal and Background. The regulatory limit for the allowable concentration of heavy metals (HM) in agriculturals soils should be based both on HM status and on soil parameters that influence HM mobility. In this paper, a soil categorization scheme is proposed which is based on the main factors that influence HM mobility in soils. The scheme also makes use of the existing regulatory limits for total concentrations of trace elements in Slovak soils but additionally takes into account the potential ability of the soils to mobilize trace elements. A map of the Slovak Republic showing the soil categorization using this scheme is presented. Methods. Besides total soil content of Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg, As, Cu, Zn, Ni, soil parameters with dominant influence on HM mobility are included in the scheme pH, organic matter content, quality of humus represented by spectral parameter Q46 and content of fraction f < 0.01 mm. Point rating approach was used for categorization. Database of localized soil data from 3556 locations was used for creation of map in GIS environment. Results. Based on the point scoring method described herein, soils are ranked from a (the least risk of crop contamination) to d (medium risk). Categories e and f are reserved for soils where the risk exceeds the allowable regulatory limits. For each of the six categories, the most suitable usage of agricultural land is recommended. The Slovak map presented shows that the main factor that affect the spatial distribution of each soil category is soil parent material which governs the existing total HM content and the predisposition for certain soil types to have high HM mobility. Agricultural usage of land in Slovakia is in most cases limited by exceedences of Cr and Ni, originating from widespread flysch rock parent material. Conclusions. Application to regional geochemical data shows that, for more than half of Slovak agricultural land, risk of crop contamination is low. For the rest of the area, planting should consider sensitivity of crops to HM uptake. Recommendation and Outlook. Evaluation of suitable agricultural usage based on HM contamination risk, should include not only the total HM content but also the potential for HM mobility, which can increase the risk of plant contamination. Where HM mobility data are not available, soil parameter data that influence HM mobility can be used to predict the potential HM soil contamination hazard. © ecomed publishers.