Harmful Effects of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils of Cerrado Biomes

The cerrado biome covers 24% of the Brazilian territory and has strategic importance in the production of grains (maize and soybean), meat and milk, generation of hydroelectric power, and sugar-energy activities. Soils in this biome are considered dystrophic, acidic, and with low natural fertility. To ensure the production process, chemicals are used for controlling pests and diseases, in addition to other products capable of chemically and physically altering soil properties. However, the intensive and continued use of such products can add potentially toxic elements to the soil. The present article aimed to evaluate the harmful effects of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils of the Ariranha stream basin (ASB), biome model. The PTEs evaluated were Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, As, and Hg in 41 different points of the study area. Soil metal concentrations were evaluated according to the list of guiding values for soils provided by Conama Resolution and Cetesb, which have reference values for prevention and investigation of soils. According to the legislation, the soils of the ASB are contaminated by Cd. The PTEs As and Hg indicate possible levels of contamination according to land use. Igeo and contamination factor (CF) show levels of contamination in the ASB. Statistical analysis of Pearson and principal component analysis (PCA) indicate that the PTEs Cu, Ni, Zi, and Cd come from the same anthropogenic source. Overall, different PTEs are altering the life quality in the study biome, being an example for the environmental monitoring of soils around the world.