Impact of Dumpsite-Derived Compost on Heavy Metal Accumulation in Cultivated Maize and Spinach.

Abstract

Using compost from big dumpsites as a soil supplement has become common practice in agricultural settings because to the high expense of artificial fertilizers. In certain situations, farmers even level smaller dumpsites and use the area for crop growth. The present investigation examined the levels of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Fe, Pb, Zn) present in compost from waste sites, cultivation soil, maize plants, and spinach crops. The study's findings showed that the quantities of heavy metals in the various samples examined varied significantly. The compost from dumps showed higher above EU standards for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The compost sample had higher amounts of Cd (6.00 mg/kg), Cr (89.00 mg/kg), Cu (21.00 mg/kg), Mn (101.00 mg/kg), Ni (17.12 mg/kg), Fe (1570.02 mg/kg), Pb (29.31 mg/kg), and Zn (315.18 mg/kg). On the other hand, modest amounts of heavy metals were found in the soil used for agriculture; these concentrations were nonetheless higher than EU standards for Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Zn, and for Mn (12.98 mg/kg), Cu (1.72 mg/kg), Mn (12.98 mg/kg), Ni (2.43 mg/kg), Fe (520.11 mg/kg), Pb (0.98 mg/kg), and Zn (67.31 mg/kg). While the quantities of heavy metals in maize plants and spinach crops were typically lower than those in compost from waste sites, they were nevertheless higher than the limits set by the European Union for several metals. Cd > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cr > Zn > Fe > Mn was the sequence in which plants absorbed metals. As a result, this study emphasizes the possible health concerns connected to eating crops produced in compost or soil that has been contaminated with heavy metals, as well as the significance of ongoing monitoring and remediation activities to guarantee food safety and environmental health.