EFFECTS OF CONTAMINANTS ON THE GROWTH OF VEGETABLES IN AN ABANDONED MINING SITE

Abstract

The growing concern over the contamination of agricultural soils, particularly in mining regions, has prompted significant research into the uptake of contaminants by crops. Heavy metals are known to accumulate in soils due to industrial and mining activities, and translocation within plants can present potential risks to food safety. Using advanced analytical techniques such Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) helps to evaluate the concentrations of contaminants in the roots, stems, leaves and vegetables. The vegetables grown in contaminated soils accumulate harmful levels of these metals, with uptake influenced by soil characteristics and environmental conditions. This review article highlights the effect of absorption of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) by vegetables at the abandoned mining site and the need for effective soil remediation and preventive measures to ensure agricultural sustainability and the safety of food products in mining-impacted areas.