Browsing by Author "Comber, Sean"

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Accumulation and bioconcentration of heavy metals in two phases from agricultural soil to plants in Usangu agroecosystem-Tanzania
(Heliyon, 2021-07-07) Mng’ong’o, Marco; Munishi, Linus; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Blake, William; Comber, Sean; Hutchinson, Thomas
The build-up of heavy metals (HM) in agricultural soils accelerates the HM uptake by plants, which could potentially affect food quality and food safety. Here we studied the status and bioaccumulation of HM from soils to plant parts (roots, stem, and grains) in Usangu agro-ecosystem-Tanzania. In total 68 soil samples and 42 rice plant samples from six irrigation schemes were studied. The concentrations of cadmium-Cd, chromium-Cr, copper-Cu, lead-Pb, zinc-Zn, nickel-Ni, and iron-Fe were determined to estimate accumulation, distribution, bioconcentration. Total soil HM concentration in soil and plant samples was determined by acid digestion. The concentration of HM in soils samples (in mg/kg) were Cr (4.58–42.76), Co (1.486–6.12), Fe (3513.56–12593.99), Zn (7.89–29.17), Cd (0.008–0.073), Cu (0.84–9.25), Ni (0.92–7.98), and Pb (1.82–18.86). The total HM concentration in plant samples were (in mg/kg) were Cu (5.18–33.56), Zn (57.03–120.88), Fe (963.51–27918.95), Mn (613.15–2280.98), Cd (4.3–17.46), Pb (0.01–28.25), Cr (12.88–57.34) and Ni (9.65–103.33). The concentration of HM in soil and plant parts was observed to vary among locations where high concentrations of HM were detected in stems and roots compared to grains. The ratio HM in plants and soil samples (bioconcentration) was higher than one for some sites indicating higher HM uptakes by plants leading to possible health risk to soil invertebrates, animals, and humans. The bioconcentration factor varied among schemes, with the highest values at Igalako and Mahongole, which could be caused by artisanal gold mining and mining quarry existed in the area. Therefore, steps are needed to reverse the situation to balance the HM in agricultural soils and plant tissues to be within acceptable limits. Keywords
Assessment of arsenic status and distribution in Usangu agro-ecosystem-Tanzania.
(Elsevier Ltd., 2021-06-09) Mng'ong'o, Marco; Comber, Sean; Munishi, Linus; Blake, William; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Hutchinson, Thomas H
This study was conducted to assess arsenic (As) status and distribution in Usangu agroecosystem-Tanzania, including three land use. About 198 soil samples were collected in ten irrigation schemes in three land uses. Total and bioavailable As were determined by acid digestion (Aqua regia (AQ)) and Mehlich 3 method (M3) to estimate status, distribution and bioavailability. Arsenic concentration were variable among land use and irrigation schemes where total arsenic ranged 567.74-2909.84 μg/kg and bioavailable As ranged 26.17-712.37 μg/kg. About 12-16% of total arsenic were available for plant uptake. Approximately 86.53% of studied agricultural soils had total As concentration above Tanzania maximum allowable limit. Bioavailable As were lower compared to total As and were within the acceptable threshold. Total arsenic concentration were variable among schemes and higher values were observed in schemes which are highly intensified and mechanized. Thus, this study provides essential site specific preliminary baseline information for As status and distribution in agricultural soils to initiate monitoring and management strategies for increased land productivity and environmental safety.
Characterization of soil phosphate status, sorption and saturation in paddy wetlands in usangu basin-Tanzania
(Elsevier Ltd., 2021-09) Mng’ong’o, Marco; Munishi, Linus; Blake, William; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Comber, Sean; Hutchinson, Thomas
Phosphorus (P) is a vital plant macronutrient required for plant growth which usually available in limited amount. P availability for plant uptake in highly weathered soil is controlled by soil erosion and high fixation. The availability of P applied from fertilizers depend on the soil pH, soil sorption capacity (PSC) and P saturation status (PSD), which determines P storage, losses, fixation, and additional P to be added with minimal loss to the environment. PSC and PSD are agroenvironmental indicators used to estimate P availability and P loss to the environment. However, PSC and PSD of agricultural soils had been never studied in Tanzanian soils. This study was conducted to assess and estimate P availability, PSC and PSD and the risks of P losses in tropical soils from Usangu basin popular for paddy farming. In total, 198 soil samples from 10 paddy irrigation schemes were collected (November–December 2019) and analyzed for inherent P (PM3), metal oxides of Aluminium (Al M3), iron (Fe M3), and calcium (Ca M3) as main PSC and PSD determinant. The determined concentrations were in range of; P M3 014.9–974.69 mg/kg, Al M3 234.56–3789.36 mg/kg, Fe M3 456.78–2980.23 mg/kg, and Ca M3 234.67–973.34 mg/kg. Estimated PSCM3 ranged 5.62–34.85 mmol/kg with a mean value of 14.14 mmol/kg corresponding to high status, ensuring high P holding capacity for plant uptake. However, some soils had very low PSCM3 creating a risk of P loss to environment. Among soils, the estimated PSD M3 ranged from 0.01 to 17.57% and was below (<24%), indicating low P loss risks to surface and groundwater, however, some soils were observed to have PSDM3 above 15% which correspond to a critical degree of phosphate saturation of 25% in a watershed using oxalate extraction method. Therefore some sites were associated with high P loss to the environment, immediate and precautionary actions for sustainable P management to increase productivity, environmental safety and sustainability are needed to be in place.
Characterization of soil phosphate status, sorption and saturation in paddy wetlands in usangu basin-Tanzania.
(2021-04-02) Mng'ong'o, Marco; Munishi, Linus K.; Blake, William; Ndakidemi, Patrick A.; Comber, Sean; Hutchinson, Thomas H.
Phosphorus (P) is a vital plant macronutrient required for plant growth which usually available in limited amount. P availability for plant uptake in highly weathered soil is controlled by soil erosion and high fixation. The availability of P applied from fertilizers depend on the soil pH, soil sorption capacity (PSC) and P saturation status (PSD), which determines P storage, losses, fixation, and additional P to be added with minimal loss to the environment. PSC and PSD are agro-environmental indicators used to estimate P availability and P loss to the environment. However, PSC and PSD of agricultural soils had been never studied in Tanzanian soils. This study was conducted to assess and estimate P availability, PSC and PSD and the risks of P losses in tropical soils from Usangu basin popular for paddy farming. In total, 198 soil samples from 10 paddy irrigation schemes were collected (November-December 2019) and analyzed for inherent P (P), metal oxides of Aluminium (Al ), iron (Fe ), and calcium (Ca ) as main PSC and PSD determinant. The determined concentrations were in range of; P 014.9-974.69 mg/kg, Al 234.56-3789.36 mg/kg, Fe 456.78-2980.23 mg/kg, and Ca 234.67-973.34 mg/kg. Estimated PSC ranged 5.62-34.85 mmol/kg with a mean value of 14.14 mmol/kg corresponding to high status, ensuring high P holding capacity for plant uptake. However, some soils had very low PSC creating a risk of P loss to environment. Among soils, the estimated PSD ranged from 0.01 to 17.57% and was below (<24%), indicating low P loss risks to surface and groundwater, however, some soils were observed to have PSD above 15% which correspond to a critical degree of phosphate saturation of 25% in a watershed using oxalate extraction method. Therefore some sites were associated with high P loss to the environment, immediate and precautionary actions for sustainable P management to increase productivity, environmental safety and sustainability are needed to be in place.
Land use patterns influence the distribution of potentially toxic elements in soils of the Usangu Basin, Tanzania
(Elsevier Ltd., 2021-12) Mng’ong’o, Marco; Comber, Sean; Munishi, Linus; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Blake, William; Hutchinson, Thomas
Spatial distribution of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in agricultural soils in Usangu Basin (Mbeya Region)-Tanzania were conducted. The study included three land-use types (paddy farming, maize farming, and conserved community forest areas). About 198 soil samples were collected from November to December 2019 across contrasting land management schemes (Group I dominated by agricultural areas versus Group II dominated by residential and agricultural areas). Total (aqua regia extracts) and bioavailable (Mehlich 3 extracts) PTEs concentrations were analyzed. For Group I and II areas, total and bioavailable concentrations (mg/kg dry weight, mean values) of some PTEs were: chromium 1662 ± 5.2 μg/kg for Group I and 1307 ± 3.9 μg/kg for Group II (Total), 55.1 ± 37.1 μg/kg for Group I and 19.2 ± 21.6 μg/kg for Group II (bioavailable); and lead 5272 ± 1650 μg/kg for Group I and 6656 ± 1994 μg/kg for Group II (Total), 1870 ± 800 μg/kg for Group I and 1730 ± 530 μg/kg for Group II (bioavailable). Soil total PTEs such as cadmium and lead were generally lower in Group I areas than in Group II areas. The reverse scenario was observed for copper. Farming areas had high PTEs concentration than non-farming areas because of anthropogenic activities. Overall, soil total concentrations of Fe (99.5%), As (87%), Se (66%), and Hg (12%) were above Tanzanian Maximum Allowable Limits. This study provides essential baseline information to support environmental risk assessment of PTEs in Tanzanian agro-ecosystem.
Potentially toxic elements status and distribution in Usangu agroecosystem-Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2021-08) Comber, Sean; Munishi, Linus; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Blake, William; Hutchinson, Thomas
This study was conducted to highlight status and distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Usangu agroecosystem-Tanzania. The study involved 198 soil samples from 10 irrigation schemes including three land use. The concentrations of selected PTEs (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Hg, Co, Nie etc.) were determined to estimate status, distribution, and contamination hierarchy. The total and bioavailable PTEs were determined by aqua regia digestion and Mehlich 3 methods, respectively. We observed variable total PTEs concentration (in mg/kg) among land use and irrigation schemes such as Cr (15), Co (2.9), Fe (7371), Mn (263), and Zn (18.2). Also, concentration of other PTEs (in μg/kg) were As (1382), Cd (22), Cu (3342), Hg (3.3), Ni (4107), and Pb (5661). It was observed that 99.5, 87, 66 and 12% of the studied soils had total Fe, As, Se and Hg concentration above allowable threshold in agricultural soils, respectively. The bioavailable PTEs fraction were lower than total values from different land use and irrigation schemes, higher values of bioavailable PTEs were associated with agricultural intensifications. The status of PTEs in Usangu agroecosystem observed to be at level potentially to cause damaging effect to soil invertebrates, plants, animals and human if remain unregulated. This study highlights baseline information and evidence for site-specific environmental management planning and a scientific basis required to establish PTEs management in agricultural soils to ensure health food and environmental safety.
Soil fertility and land sustainability in Usangu Basin-Tanzania
(Heliyon, 2021-08-09) Mng’ong’o, Marco; Munishi, Linus; Blake, William; Comber, Sean; Hutchinson, Thomas; Ndakidemi, Patrick
Soil fertility determines crop growth, productivity and consequently determines land productivity and sustainability. Continuous crop production exploits plant nutrients from soils leading to plant nutrient imbalance, thus affecting soil productivity. This study was conducted to monitor soil fertility status in soils of Usangu agro-ecosystem to establish management strategies. To assess soil fertility status in Usangu agro-ecosystem in Southern Highland Tanzania; 0–30 cm depth soil samples were taken for organic carbon, soil pH, N, P, Ca, K, Mg, S, Al, and micronutrients such as Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and Cr analyses by various established standard analytical methods. The results indicated most micronutrients were available in the deficient amount in many studied sites except for Fe and Mn, which were observed to be above optimum requirement. Based on critical levels established in other areas, 90 % of the soils were ranked as N, P, K, and Mg deficient. The micronutrients (Cu, Fe, and Zn) were inadequate in all soils resulting in limited crop growth and productivity. A high concentration of trace metals was detected in agricultural soils, this might affect plant nutrients availability and leading to environmental contamination affecting land productivity and sustainability. The study found that Usangu agro-ecosystem has deprived of soil fertility leading to poor crop growth and productivity. The authors recommend the addition of supplemental materials rich in plant nutrients such as inorganic fertilizer, manure, crop residues, and treated wastes to improve soil fertility for improved productivity and land sustainability.
Towards sustainability: Threat of water quality degradation and eutrophication in Usangu agro-ecosystem Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2022-08-01) Mng’ong’o, Marco; Munishi, Linus; Blake, William; Comber, Sean; Hutchinson, Thomas; Ndakidemi, Patrick
The agrochemicals and nutrient losses from farming areas such as paddy farming significantly dictate quality and eutrophication of the freshwater resource. However, how farming and land use pattern affect water qualities and eutrophication remain poorly understood in most African agro-ecosystems. The present study characterized how paddy farming influences water qualities and eutrophication in 10 irrigation schemes in Usangu agro-ecosystem (UA). About 42 water samples were sampled from intakes, channels, paddy fields, and drainages and analyzed for EC, Cl, P, NH4-N, NO3-N, TN, Zn, Cu, Ca, and Mg. We observed water pH ranging from 4.89 to 6.76, which was generally below the acceptable range (6.5–8.4) for irrigation water. NH4-N concentration was in a range of 10.6–70.0 mg/L, NO3-N (8.4–33.9 mg/L), and TN (19.1–21,104 mg/L). NH4-N increased along sampling transect (sampling points) from intakes (5.7–29.1 mg/L), channels (19–20 mg/L), fields (12.9–35.8 mg/L), and outflow (10.6–70.0 mg/L), the same trend were found for NO3-N and TN. The TP determined in water samples were in the range of 0.01 to 1.65 mg/L; where some sites had P > 0.1 mg/L exceeding the allowable P concentration in freshwater resource, thus indicating P enrichment and eutrophication status. The P concentration was observed to increase from intake through paddy fields to drainages, where high P was determined in drainages (0.02–1.65 mg/L) and fields (0.0–0.54 mg/L) compared to channels (0.01–0.13 mg/L) and intakes (0.01–0.04 mg/L). Furthermore, we determined appreciable amount of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr in studied water samples. The high N, P, and PTEs in drainages indicate enrichment from agricultural fields leading to water quality degradation and contaminations (eutrophication). The study demonstrates that water quality in UA is degrading potentially due to paddy rice farming and other associated activities in the landscape. Thus, the current study recommends starting initiatives to monitor irrigation water quality in UA for better crop productivity, and improved quality of drainage re-entering downstream through the introduction of mandatory riparian buffer, revising irrigation practices, to include good agronomic practices (GAP) to ensure water quality and sustainability.
Toxic metals in East African agro-ecosystems: Key risks for sustainable food production
(Elsevier B.V., 2021-09-15) Mng’ong’o, Marco; Munishi, Linus; Ndakidemi, Patrick; Blake, William; Comber, Sean; Hutchinson, Thomas
The dramatic increase in world population underpins current escalating food demand, which requires increased productivity in the available arable land through agricultural intensification. Agricultural intensification involves increased agrochemicals use to increase land productivity. Increased uses of agrochemicals pose environmental and ecological risks such as contamination and water eutrophication. Consequently, toxic metals accumulate in plant products, thus entering the food chain leading to health concerns. To achieve this study, secondary data from peerreviewed papers, universities, and government authorities were collected from a public database using Tanzania as a case study. Data from Science Direct, Web of Science, and other internet sources were gathered using specific keywords such as nutrient saturation and losses, water eutrophication, potentially toxic metal (PTEs), and impact of toxic metals on soils, water, and food safety. The reported toxic metal concentrations in agro-ecosystem worldwide are linked to agricultural intensification, mining, and urbanization. Statistical analysis of secondary data collected from East African agro-ecosystem had wide range of toxic metals concentration such as; mercury (0.001–11.0 mg Hg/kg), copper (0.14–312 mg Cu/kg), cadmium (0.02–13.8 mg Cd/kg), zinc (0.27–19.30 mg Zn/kg), lead (0.75–51.7 mg Pb/kg) and chromium (19.14–34.9 mg Cr/kg). In some cases, metal concentrations were above the FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits for soil health. To achieve high agricultural productivity and environmental safety, key research-informed policy needs are proposed: (i) development of regulatory guidelines for agrochemicals uses, (ii) establishment of agro-environmental quality indicators for soils and water assessment to monitor agro-ecosystem quality changes, and (iii) adoption of best farming practices such as split fertilization, cover cropping, reduced tillage, drip irrigation to ensure crop productivity and agroecosystem sustainability. Therefore, robust and representative evaluation of current soil contamination status, sources, and processes leading to pollution are paramount. To achieve safe and sustainable food production, management of potential toxic metal in agro-ecosystems is vital.