Effect of Soil Contaminated with Heavy Metals on the Nutrient Content of Zea mays L.

Background and Objective: The toxicity of heavy metals varies depending on the plant variety, age, plant growth stage, concentration and type of heavy metals in the soil. The study aimed to evaluate the status of contamination with some heavy metals including (Pb, Cd, Co, Cr and Ni) and the effect of this on the content of the major nutritional elements (N, P and K) of Zea mays plant. Materials and Methods: Samples of contaminated soil were collected from the three plowed fields at two distances from the source of pollution (400 and 800 m) in the southeastern direction, which is the direction of the prevailing wind movement in the areas and at two depths (0-25 and 25-50 cm), in addition to the control treatment (uncontaminated). The heavy metals were estimated and their contaminated standards were calculated. The plant was grown in plastic pots, each with a capacity of 6 kg. Results: The results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Co and Ni) (except Cr) in the soil of the Al-Ahadab, Badra and Al-Gharaf increased more than the internationally permissible limits, especially at a distance of 400 m at a depth of 0-25 cm. However, the concentrations of the metals were highest values in Al-Ahdab field for all dimensions and depths compared to the Badra and Al-Gharraf oil fields. Conclusion: The pollution load index (PLI) indicated a deterioration in the soil of the study, especially the sites close (400) m compared to 800 m away at a depth of 25-50 cm.