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Impact of arsenic-polluted groundwater on soil and produce quality: a food chain study

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Abstract

The experiment was conducted to assess the impact of arsenic (As)-contaminated groundwater irrigation on soil health and crop quality. Geo-referenced groundwater, soil, and crop produce samples were collected from the middle Gangetic plains of Maner block of Patna and were analyzed for As content. The result showed that long-term application of As-contaminated groundwater (0.017 to 0.677 mg L−1) buildup significant amount of As in the soil (0.41 to 8.66 mg kg−1). A significant correlation (r2 = 0.922) was also observed between As content in groundwater and the soil. The content of As in groundwater also affected crop quality and accumulated metal content in different crop parts. Total As content in crop samples ranged from 0.010 to 0.963 μg g−1 of dry weight. The average As content in crop followed order: oilseeds > cereals > vegetables > pulses. Therefore, produce quality should be monitored frequently for As uptake as there is a great chance of As accumulation in food crops. Hence, these approaches are useful for the formulation of policy guidelines for the management of As-containing groundwater and routine risk assessment of As-contaminated soils.

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Acknowledgments

Authors are highly thankful to Dr. G.L. Meena, Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil & Water Conservation, Research Centre, Kota for the preparation of the Geo-referenced map.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, 800 014, India

    M. K. Meena, A. K. Singh, L. K. Prasad & Adlul Islam

  2. ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, 321 303, India

    M. K. Meena, M. D. Meena, M. L. Dotaniya & Harvir Singh

  3. Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner, 303 329, India

    B. L. Yadav

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  1. M. K. Meena
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  2. A. K. Singh
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  3. L. K. Prasad
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  4. Adlul Islam
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  5. M. D. Meena
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  6. M. L. Dotaniya
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  7. Harvir Singh
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Correspondence to M. L. Dotaniya.

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Meena, M.K., Singh, A.K., Prasad, L.K. et al. Impact of arsenic-polluted groundwater on soil and produce quality: a food chain study. Environ Monit Assess 192, 785 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-020-08770-9

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