Transfer of Heavy Metals from Different Sources of Fertilizers in Wheat Variety (Galaxy-13)

Background and Objective: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is staple crop of Pakistan and used as food for humans as well as animals. Due to heavy metals contamination in Pakistan, the aim of this study was to determine the bio-accumulation of heavy metals in edible parts of wheat variety (Galaxy-13) by using various types of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Materials and Methods: A field experiment was performed in Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan to evaluate the effect of different soil amendments on uptake of heavy metals in wheat variety (Galaxy-13). Growth parameters of plants were determined. The concentration of heavy metals in soil and different parts of wheat plants were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AA-6300 Shimadzu Japan). Results: All morphological parameters were significantly affected by different fertilizers treatments except for leaf width. The concentration of heavy metals (mg kgG 1 ) in grains was Zn (9.15-13.98), Co (1.06-1.19), Fe (16.51-23.05), Cd (0.81-0.95), Pb (0.45-2.08), Cu (2.13-6.87) and Cr (0.476-0.887). Cobalt showed more value for bio-concentration factor(0.995) and daily intake of metal was higher for Fe (0.01) at T4. Cadmium showed the highest values of transfer factor (0.997), health risk index (0.428) and enrichment factor (7.3) at T4. Conclusion: Current values of all metals were found within permissible limits suggested by FAO/WHO. So, consumption of fertilizers treated wheat is safe for human consumption.