Assessment of Pb and Zn contents in agricultural soils and soybean crops near to a former battery recycling plant in Cordoba, Argentina

A field study was carried out in the vicinity of a former battery recycling plant, with heavy metal content (Pb and Zn), the toxicological risk of seed consumption of soybean crops [Glycine Max (L.) Merr.] grown on these soils and their relation with seed quality being evaluated. The concentrations of Pb and Zn in soybeans (roots, stems, pods and seeds) and in top soils were investigated and their potential risk to the health of consumers was estimated. Furthermore, quality-related seed parameters (standard germination test, tetrazolium test, biomass and weight of 1000 seeds) were obtained. The results show that the concentrations of Pb in soybeans at all sites (controls and close to the smelter) were above the maximum permitted levels. Seed quality decreased as the lead concentration increased in seeds from sites near to the former battery recycling plant. Moreover, the greatest accumulation of Zn in seeds was found at sites with high concentrations of Pb in soils. Taking into account these findings, future studies need to be performed in order to evaluate the parameters influencing the mobility and bioavailability of toxic metals in agricultural soils, with the purpose of not only assessing the current state of crops in terms of food security but also evaluating possible soil remediation techniques. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.