Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Crops Near Mining Areas in Zambales, Philippines

摘要

Agricultural productivity, and food safety and security are among the pressing concerns that continue to permeate and confront an agricultural country like Philippines. This study was conducted to assess and evaluate the heavy metal content of selected rice and vegetable crops near mining areas in Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Physico-chemical characteristics of the soil samples and heavy metal content of the crops were examined and analysed by CRL Laboratory and related to the growth performance of the selected agricultural crops of the study area to ascertain the effects of excess nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr). Results showed that Ni and Cr concentration on both pre and post-assessments were higher than the accepted standard limit of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union Standards; additionally, the findings of the study revealed significant differences based on t-test at alpha level of 0.05. On the other hand, Pearson-r correlation showed a negative correlation between Ni concentration and growth performances of the four vegetable crops. Another statistical treatment was employed and one-way analysis of variance at alpha level of 0.05 showed a significant difference between each growth performance in relation to Ni as well as Cr concentration. Further studies are recommended to be done on reproductively mature vegetable crops and other growth indicators for rice crops, likewise the rehabilitation mechanisms in areas contaminated with heavy metals, particularly in the province.