| dc.description.abstract | The source of cadmium (Cd) contamination in arable land, among others, is the use of manure and P fertilizer. Therefore, its long-term application at excesive dosage, as those practized by farmers in horticulture production centers, many cause Cd accumulation in soil and plant tissues. It is the main route of Cd intoxication into human body, therefore it poses health risk. The objective of this research was to explore the Cd pollution status in soil and its concentration in leaves of chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) cultivated in horticulture production center of Lembang, West Java. The study site was parts of an intensively cultivated land area for horticulture commodity. Field observation and soil (composite, 0-20 cm) and plant tissue (leaf) sampling were conducted at 16 points represented uncultivated control land [Lc] and 3 categories of land productivity level (high [Ph], medium [Pm] and low [Pl]). Soil analysis was conducted on texture; pH (H2O 1:1); Corganic; POlsen; Cdaqua regia (HNO3:HCl =1:3) and CdNH4OAc-EDTA (0.5 M NH4OAc + 0.002 M EDTA pH 4.65). Plant tissue analysis was performed for Cdplant concentration (dry ashing, 0.2 M HNO3). Soil Cd pollution level was evaluated based on the value of contamination/pollution (c/p) index according to the Lacatusu (2000) procedure. Average concentration of soil Cdaqua regia (mg/kg) at Pm (2.26) > Lc (2.02) > Ph (2.01) > Pl (1.43), with average soil Cd pollution status from very light pollution at Lc (value of c/p 1.96) to light pollution level at Pl (c/p 2.19), Ph (c/p 2.97) and Pm (c/p 3.26). Soil pollution level at Pl, Pm and Ph that was higher than that of Lc revealed the contribution of anthropogenic factors or sources, among others was the accumulation from the application of Cd-containing fertilizers. The amount of Cd absorbed by plant increased with the increasing concentration of soil Cd active fraction or CdNH4OAc-EDTA. Concentration of Cdplant at Ph was the lowest eventhoug its absorption was the highest. This was due to the occurrence of dilution effect related to the higher biomass yield. Concentration of Cdplant (0.10-0.39 mg/kg) has exceeded the maximum acceptable limit for vegetables (0.2 mg/kg) according to Codex Alimentarius Commision and, hence, its consumption higher than the tolerable dose will pose more health risk. Keywords:Brassica chinensis L., Cd, c/p index, Soil pollution. | id |
