Analysis of heavy metals concentration in soil irrigated with urban wastewater for bell pepper cultivation

Due to the water shortage in Iran, the use of new resources such as wastewater and proper management is necessary. The main goal of this research is to study the effect of some heavy metals concentration (Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe and Zn) on the bell pepper and soil in randomized complete block design using six treatments including T1 (100% wastewater), T2 (75% wastewater 25% well water), T3 (50% well water 50% wastewater), T4 (25% well water 75% wastewater), T5 (100% well water) and T6 (100% well water and chemical fertilizer) and three replications in a greenhouse located in Lorestan agriculture college. According to the results, irrigation with treated wastewater has no meaningful effect on lead and cadmium concentration in soil (1% level) but Cu, Zn and Fe concentration in the soil was meaningful in the 1% level. In the bell pepper fruit, Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn but Fe concentration was not meaningful in 1% level under the effect of irrigation treatments. Generally, not only use of Khorramabad urban wastewater does not increase the heavy metal concentration in soil and plant more than standard level but it prevents the use of chemical fertilizer so it is important for consumer health. Since wastewater contains important nutrients needed for plants, correct management in considered region decreases chemical fertilizer consuming.