Phytoavailability of Geogenic Arsenic and Its Partitioning in Soil: a Case Of Study in a Thermal Area of Central Italy

Abstract

Arsenic (As) is an ubiquitous metalloid that is introduced into the environment from both anthropogenic and geochemical sources. The As can be introduced in food chain through plants grown on polluted soil and/or contaminated irrigation water. The element may impair plant growth, moreover its toxicity and cancerogenicity poses a threat for human health. Most plants tolerate soil As concentrations up to 50 mg kg⁻¹. However, at higher levels some plants might be negatively affected, while some others develop strategies to adapt to these conditions. It is known that As absorption, translocation and accumulation depend on plant species. The As tends to concentrate mainly in plant roots and old leaves, with a minor concentration in stems and young leaves, and the lowest concentrations is in fruits. In this study soil As mobility, tomato phytoavailability, and As plant partitioning were measured in an naturally As reach agricultural area (57.49 mg kg^-1).  The results show that As compounds mainly accumulate in the roots (2.85 mg kg^-1), whereas only a small portion is translocated to fruits (0.08 mg kg^-1) making the risk for human health negligible.