Geochemistry and contamination metrics of the tropical agricultural soils in Karuvannur Basin, India, with special reference to environmental sustainability
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Surface soils in Kerala's Karuvannur Basin show moderate pollution from potentially toxic elements like vanadium and chromium, primarily due to agricultural activities. Regular soil monitoring and management plans are crucial for sustainable tropical agriculture.
Area Of Science
- Geochemistry and Environmental Science
- Soil Science and Contamination Assessment
- Agricultural and Wetland Ecosystems
Background
- The Karuvannur Basin (KB) in Kerala, India, is a vital agricultural region with Ramsar-listed Kole wetlands, supporting intensive paddy cultivation and dense populations.
- Understanding soil geochemistry is critical for assessing the impact of agricultural inputs (fertilizers, pesticides) and industrial discharges on ecosystem health and productivity.
- This study focuses on the surface soils within this ecologically significant, wetland-dominated tropical basin.
Purpose Of The Study
- To examine the geochemical characteristics and contamination status of surface soils in the Karuvannur Basin.
- To assess the spatial distribution of major oxides and trace elements to understand geochemical processes and contamination risks.
- To evaluate soil quality and identify potential pollution sources impacting this important agricultural area.
Main Methods
- Analysis of major oxides (SiO₂, TiO₂, Fe₂O₃, P₂O₅) and trace elements (V, Cr, Cu, Ga, Zr) in surface soil samples.
- Comparison of soil geochemistry with world average shale values to identify enrichments and depletions.
- Application of various contamination indices: Enrichment Factor (EF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination Factor (CF), Degree of Contamination (Cdeg), and Pollution Load Index (PLI).
Main Results
- Dominance of SiO₂, TiO₂, Fe₂O₃, and P₂O₅, with elevated SiO₂ suggesting significant leaching and weathering under tropical conditions.
- Geochemical alterations (enrichments in Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, P₂O₅; depletions in CaO, MgO, Na₂O, K₂O) indicate sustained climatic and pedogenic processes.
- Elevated concentrations of V, Cr, Cu, Ga, and Zr point to both geogenic and anthropogenic inputs, particularly from agriculture. Most soils are classified as moderately polluted.
Conclusions
- Surface soils in the Karuvannur Basin are moderately polluted with potentially toxic elements (V, Cr, Cu, Ga, Zr), influenced by agricultural practices.
- Sustained climatic and pedogenic processes have significantly altered the soil's geochemical composition.
- Regular soil monitoring and the implementation of soil management plans are essential for ensuring sustainability in tropical agricultural regions like the KB.
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