Uptake prediction of ten heavy metals by Corchorus olitorius L. cultivated in soil mixed with sewage sludge

Abstract

This study was carried out to develop mathematical regression equations for predicting the uptake of selected heavy metals (HMs: Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn) by Corchorus olitorius L. cultivated in soil mixed with sewage sludge based on the concentration of these HMs in the soil–sludge mixture, soil organic matter (OM), and soil pH. The resultant regression equations reflected that the three soil factors were significant predictors for the uptake of the ten HMs in the plant tissues. Applying the t test, there are no significant differences between the actual and predicted values of the ten HMs in C. olitorius root and shoot (p >.05), which reflect the best-fitting of these equations for predicting the uptake of these HMs. Such types of equations may be helpful for evaluating the risk of cultivation due to precise prediction of C. olitorius (leafy vegetable) uptake of HMs, in soil mixed with sewage sludge.