IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF SOIL CONTAMINATED WITH POLLUTANTS ON CUCUMBER GROWTH

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the research focused on samples of uncontaminated and contaminated soil in controlled environment (in pots) with different polluting substances (Cu, Pb, Zn) and mixtures thereof, as well as the translocation of pollutants into cucumbers grown on these soils. The concentrations of the solutions of lead acetate, copper sulphate and zinc sulphate, with which the soil was contaminated were 1.5 %, 3.0 %, 4.5 %, 6.0 %. The control sample consisted of uncontaminated fertile soil. A progressive increase of the metal content in the soil was observed for the four concentrations compared to the control sample (17.6 mg.kg(-1) Cu; 6.8 mg.kg(-1) Pb; 39.8 mg.kg(-1) Zn). Also, the final metal content in plants was progressive compared to plants grown in uncontaminated soil (5.2 mg.kg(-1) Cu; 2.7 mg.kg(-1) Pb; 34.1 mg.kg(-1) Zn). The translocation coefficient recorded high values in uncontaminated soil (0.257 Cu; 0.404 Pb; 0.857 Zn) and low values in contaminated soil with a concentration of 6.0 % (0.015 Cu, 0.041 Pb, 0.101 Zn). Therefore, based on the experimental results obtained in the laboratory, the impact of soil and plant contamination was evaluated by developing statistical models under real conditions regarding the accumulation and transfer of pollutants from the soil into cucumber fruits. As many consumers buy fruits and vegetables contaminated with different pollutants that are harmful to their health and also to the environment, the results of the paper form an important basis for further research in this area.