Assessment of the Bioavailability of Heavy Metals in Soil and Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) under Irrigation with Industrial Wastewater and Application of Sewage Sludge

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

2 , Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of irrigation with industrial wastewater and the application of sewage sludge on heavy metal bioavailability and accumulation in purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.). A pot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with treatments including municipal water, industrial wastewater, contaminated and uncontaminated soils, with or without sewage sludge application. Soil characteristics (pH, EC, CEC, and available heavy metals) and as well as heavy metal contents in the plant were measured. The results indicated that industrial wastewater, with high nitrogen and phosphorus and moderate EC, could be used for irrigation; however, long-term increases in EC and SAR may negatively affect soil structure. Application of sewage sludge significantly increased the availability of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn. Heavy metal accumulation in purslane followed Zn > Cu > Ni > Cd, predominantly in the aerial parts. Translocation factor (TF) of Cd (3.19), Ni (1.37) and Cu (1.91) was particularly enhanced in contaminated soil irrigated with municipal water, showing the highest accumulation and translocation to shoots. In this study, the calculation of the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was carried out based on the amount of bioavailable heavy metals present in the soil. Due to the high BCF for studies heavy metals in most treatments, purslane can be used as a monitor plant. Hazard quotient for Cd exceeded the permissible limit, indicating a potential risk to food safety. Overall, wastewater irrigation and sewage sludge use improved soil fertility but increased heavy metal accumulation, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Introduction

Water shortage has compelled the use of unconventional water resources such as municipal and industrial wastewater in agriculture. While wastewater provides essential nutrients (N, P, K), it often contains toxic heavy metals that can accumulate in soils and enter the food chain. Sewage sludge, a byproduct of wastewaters treatment, is also nutrient-rich but may increase soil contamination risks. This study focused on evaluating the effects of industrial wastewater irrigation and sewage sludge application on soil chemical properties, heavy metal bioavailability, and their accumulation in Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane), with emphasis on ecological and food safety risks.

Materials and Methods

A pot experiment was carried out in the greenhouse of Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran, using a completely randomized design. Treatments included contaminated and uncontaminated soils, irrigated with industrial wastewater, with and without sewage sludge (5% w/w). Soils were artificially contaminated with Cd (10 mg kg⁻¹), Cu (300 mg kg⁻¹), Ni (300 mg kg⁻¹), and Zn (600 mg kg⁻¹). Soil parameters (pH, EC, CEC, exchangeable cations, and DTPA-extractable heavy metals) were analyzed, and heavy metal contents in plant tissues (root, stem, leaf) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Bioaccumulation factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), estimated daily intake (EDI), and hazard quotient (HQ) were calculated to assess ecological and human health risks. In this study, the calculation of the BCF was carried out based on the DTPA-extractable heavy metals present in the soil.

Results and Discussion

Industrial wastewater exhibited moderate salinity (EC ≈ 2.39 dS m⁻¹), high nitrate (25.7 mg L⁻¹) and phosphorus (2.2 mg L⁻¹) contents, making it nutritionally beneficial but posing long-term risks of salinity buildup. Application of sewage sludge in contaminated soil, increased CEC but also raised available Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn levels up to 98.7, 71.8, 109.9 and 129.4 times higher than control soil, respectively. Due to the high BCF for studies heavy metals in most treatments, purslane can be used as a monitor plant. Nevertheless, HQ values for Cd exceeded the safety threshold (HQ > 1), implying health risks upon consumption. These findings highlight a dual role: wastewater and sludge can enhance soil fertility but simultaneously promote heavy metal mobilization and accumulation in edible plants.

Conclusion

The combined use of industrial wastewater and sewage sludge in contaminated soil, improves soil nutrient status but significantly increases the risk of heavy metal accumulation in soil–plant systems. In this study, the calculation of the BCF was based on the DTPA-extractable heavy metals in the soil. Accordingly, the Portulaca oleracea L. demonstrated strong phytoremediation capacity, particularly for Cd, Ni and Cu yet its edibility under contaminated irrigation conditions poses serious food safety concerns. Sustainable management requires continuous monitoring, controlled application, and risk-mitigation strategies to balance agricultural benefits with environmental and health safety.

Authors Contributions

Zahra Salehi: Carried out the experiment and analyzed the data. Wrote the manuscript. Discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript. Mohsen Jalali: Conceived of the presented idea. Supervised the project (supervisor). Edited and reviewed the manuscript. Contributed to the final version of the manuscript. And discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript.

Data Availability Statement

Data available on request from the authors.

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Bu-Ali Sina University University of hamedan. The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research
Volume 56, Issue 12
March 2026
Pages 3331-3350

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