Wastewater may be used for complimentary irrigation of crops in the North East region of Egypt. Implications of using such wastewater on accumulation of heavy metals in soil and plant must be assessed. Water, soil and wheat samples were collected from 10 sites (with 5 km distance between sites) along the drain of Belbais and analyzed for their contents of Pb and Co. Contents of Pb in water were within the permissible levels recommended by FAO; however, there was a significant progressive increase from site 1 to 5 along the drain (North-East direction) beyond which gradual decrease occurred. The Co content in wastewater exceeded the acceptable limits and progressively increased from site 1 to 10. Contents of Pb and Co in soil were higher than the corresponding maximum acceptable levels. Wheat plants were sampled and lead contents in straw and grain were within the permissible level. Cobalt content in wheat straw was higher than the permissible level and exceeded the permissible levels in grains. A positive significant correlation existed between Co content in plant and in water. Using such water for complimentary irrigations may be of potential health hazards. |
