RISK OF LENTIL SEED CONTAMINATION BY RISK METALS FROM THE SOIL

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the grown locality on risky metal intake from the soil to the lentil seeds. The research was realised in four different localities of Iraq (Qushtopa, Shaklawa, Kalak and Koysinjaq) using the same lentil cultivar.

In all soil samples the determined Co, Ni, Cr and Cd content in the soil extract by aqua regia exceeded the limit values (by 39% - 49%, 249% - 276%, 26% - 46% and 530% - 670% respectively). In two localities (Kalak, Koysinjaq) also the Cu content by 1% - 4% exceeded maximal allowed value given by the legislative. In all sample sites also the maximal available soil content of mobile Pb forms was by 55% - 150% exceeded. Despite of extremely high soil contents of Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb and Cd the investigated lentil seeds are from the point of risky metal contamination safe. All determined values of heavy metal contents are lower than hygienic limits. Based on our results we could suppose that lentil can be grown also in the soil with enhanced amounts of risky metals without danger of lentil seeds contamination.