Phytotoxicity and bioavailability of cobalt to plants in a range of soils.

Risk assessments of existing substances, including metals, in the environment are being carried in the European Union, which require estimation of the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) derived from biological toxicity assays. Few toxicity data exist for Co and higher plants, and the influence of soil properties on Co toxicity also needs to be evaluated systematically. We investigated phytotoxicity and bioavailability of Co to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.

Baseline values for heavy metals in agricultural soils in an European Mediterranean region.

Baseline values for heavy metals were proposed in Alicante (Spain), a representative agricultural area of the European Mediterranean region, as a basis to identify and assess soil contamination processes at regional level. Fifty-four agricultural plots were sampled and heavy metals concentrations were analysed for nine elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after acid digestion with HNO(3) and HCl in a microwave oven. Heavy metal concentrations obtained in the study area were similar to concentrations analysed by other authors within the European Mediterranean region.

Heavy metal contents in horticultural crops of a representative area of the European Mediterranean region.

Heavy metal content (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) was analysed in the edible parts of two types of horticultural crops (leaf and inflorescence crops) from 30 agricultural fields in Castellón (Spain), a representative area of the European Mediterranean region. Selected soil properties relevant to control the mobility and bioavaibility of heavy metals were analysed for the general characterisation of these agricultural soils. The levels of clay, high percentages of organic matter and the presence of carbonate seem to suggest an important retention of heavy metals by these components in most of these soils.