Metales pesados en fertilizantes inorgánicos

Abstract

Abstract: Inorganic fertilizers are a crucial source of nutrients for improving agricultural productivity; however, their heavy metal content raises significant concerns in terms of environmental impact and risks to human health. Several studies have demonstrated the presence of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, among others, in commercial inorganic fertilizers. This study investigated two types of fertilizers, one soil-based and the other foliar. The samples were chemically treated by microwave acid digestion using EPA Standard 30.50 to subsequently determine the lead and cadmium content using flame and graphite atomic absorption spectroscopy. The highest amount of lead was found in the soil fertilizer (Sample A), with a concentration of 7.8 mg/kg−1, compared to the foliar fertilizer (Sample B), with a concentration of 6.98 mg/kg−1. Cadmium concentrations in both fertilizers were below the equipment's detection limit.