Copper and lead levels in crops and soils of the Holland Marsh Area-Ontario

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1979 · J. Environ. Qual.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq1980.00472425000900040006x· OSTI ID:6787366

Czuba, M; Hutchinson, T C

A study was made of the occurrence, distribution, and concentrations of the heavy metals copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) in the soils and crops of the important horticultural area north of Toronto known as the Holland Marsh. The soils are deep organic mucks (> 85% organic matter), derived by the drainage of black marshland soils, which has been carried out over the past 40 years. A comparison is made between the Pb and Cu concentrations in undrained, uncultivated areas of the marsh and in the intensively used horticultural area. Analyses show a marked accumulation of Cu in surface layers of cultivated soils, with a mean surface concentration of 130 ppM, declining to 20 ppM at a 32-cm depth. Undrained (virgin) soils of the same marshes had < 20 ppM at all depths. Lead concentrations also declined through the profile, from concentrations of 22 to 10 ppM. In comparison, undrained areas had elevated Pb levels. Cultivation appeared to have increased Cu, but lowered Pb in the marsh. Copper and lead levels found in the crops were generally higher in the young spring vegetables than in the mature fall ones. Leafy crops, especially lettuce (Lactuca L.) and celery (Apium graveolens), accumulated higher Pb levels in their foliage compared with levels in root crops. Cultivation procedures, including past pesticide applications and fertilizer additions, appeared to be principal sources of Cu. Mobility from the soil and into the plant for these elements in the marsh muck soils is discussed.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Toronto, Ontario
• OSTI ID: 6787366
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States) Vol. 9:4; ISSN JEVQA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (-1989)
520200 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
CANADA
COPPER
CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES
DATA
DATA COMPILATION
DISTRIBUTION
ECOSYSTEMS
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FERTILIZERS
FOOD
INFORMATION
LAYERS
LEAD
LEAVES
MARSHES
MASS TRANSFER
METALS
NORTH AMERICA
NUMERICAL DATA
ONTARIO
PESTICIDES
ROOTS
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SOILS
SURFACES
SWAMPS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
TRACE AMOUNTS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
UPTAKE
VARIATIONS
VEGETABLES