Abstract

CRUZ-PONS, A de la et al. Heavy metals in soils cultivated with sugar cane in the Chontalpa, Tabasco. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2012, vol.28, n.2, pp.119-130. ISSN 0186-2979.

Heavy metals contributed to the environment by industries may affect the development of sugar cane crops. In order to determine the current levels of heavy metals (Pb, Ni, V, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn), the total and extractable forms were quantified in the soil, as well as the total form in sugar cane leaves (Saccharum spp), of sugar cane areas of the Presidente Benito Juárez sugar cane Factory (IPBJ) and the hydrocarbon battery separation industry of Cardenas (HBS). Sampling took place in Vertisols and Fluvisols, and in sugar cane plants. For each industry, a southwesterly transect was selected for each soil with three sampling distances (0.6, 3 and 6 km), and composite soil samples with 3 replicates were collected at each distance at a depth of 0-20 cm. The content of metals in soils and plants was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Total metal contents in the two soils were low, Pb < 0.6 mg kg^-1, Ni from 3.6 to 7.5 mg kg^-1, V from 2.5 to 4.2 mg kg^-1, Fe from 519.3 to 607.6 mg kg^-1, Cu from 1.3 to 4.5 mg kg^-1, Zn from 3.5 to 6 mg kg^-1 and Mn from 13.9 to 35 mg kg^-1. Cd was not detected. With respect to Pb and Ni, the extractable forms presented contents similar to those reported for soils, and those of Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn indicated adequate to marginal concentrations in the soils. V and Cd were not detected. Pb, Ni and Cd content in sugar cane leaves ranged between 0.8 and undetectable, and that of Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn indicated a nutritional deficiency.

Keywords : Heavy metals; soil; sugar cane.

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