Abstract

MENJIVAR FLORES, Juan Carlos et al. Study of heavy metal and arsenic concentrations in olive farm soils, Sierra Mágina, Jaen, Spain. Acta Agron. [online]. 2009, vol.58, n.4, pp.303-307. ISSN 0120-2812.

The content of heavy metals and arsenic was studied in 35 soils under olive cultivation in the Sierra Mágina, Jaen, Spain. The concentrations of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) were determined at depths between 0 - 20 and 20- 40 cm. These soils developed on carbonate materials, predominantly Petric Calcisols and Calcaric Regosols (FAO, 1999). The homogeneity of parental material was responsible for the lack of significant variation seen in soil properties, and alsoheavy metal and arsenic content at the depths studied. Copper was the only element that varied over depth (p<0.01), with a higher mean value between 0 - 20 cm; a consequence of agrochemical applications in the region. Soils with a clay and silt texture had higher concentrations of Cr and Ni, while the rest of the metals, and As, did not present significant variation with the main physical chemical properties of the soil. The studied elements did not exceed the reference levels established by the Andalucia Authorities, presenting similar concentrations to those found in equivalent rocks and in non-contaminated soils. The mean values for As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were related to the concentrations inherited from the lithological material fromwhich the soils are derived

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