Comparative uptake and distribution of trace and toxic elements by different vegetables cultivated on soil amended with sewage sludge

Sewage sludge is a source of organic matter and of micro nutrients. However, it may contain heavy metals which, if they accumulate excessively high levels in soil , can have an adverse effect on plants, especially food crops and consumers health. In this study it is observed that uptake of different trace and toxic metal ions varies in different vegetables and some metals shows high accumulation than others. Different type of vegetables (leafy, root and beans) were grown in sludge amended soil on laboratory scale, and investigated to ascertain which type of vegetables are suitable for grown in agricultural land amended with sewage sludge. It is concluded that leafy vegetables accumulate higher concentration of heavy metals and root vegetables are more sensitive to zinc, nickel, lead and chromium. (author)