Heavy metal concentrations in soils, water, and plum fruits in El-Saff area

ABSTRACT

The concentrations of heavy metals in the soil, water and plum fruits were tested at El Saff area. Data indicated that the surface layer of the cultivated soils [0 - 15 cm.] contained high levels of heavy metals than the lower one [15-40 cm.]. Pb and Zn levels in soils were higher than other heavy metals in all samples, while all soil samples were free from Co. All water samples from the tested canals contained high levels of heavy metals specially Pb and Cd, while Zn and Ni were not detected. Unbelievable concentrations, than expected, of Cr were found in plum fruits, the level of Pb showed great differences in the fruits