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Heavy Metal Accumulation in Maize and Wheat in Acidic Soil: A Comparative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaorou Wang

    (Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China)

  • Pengchao Lv

    (Weihai Agricultural and Rural Affairs Service Center, Weihai 264200, China)

  • Fujin Zhang

    (Huancui Agricultural and Rural Affairs Service Center, Weihai 264299, China)

  • Weiyu Wang

    (Rongcheng Agricultural and Rural Affairs Service Center, Weihai 264303, China)

  • Xunsheng Liu

    (Wendeng Agricultural and Rural Affairs Service Center, Weihai 264499, China)

  • Qiang Zhang

    (Rushan Agricultural and Rural Affairs Service Center, Weihai 264511, China)

  • Jingjing Mu

    (Rushan Agricultural and Rural Affairs Service Center, Weihai 264511, China)

  • Xianmin Huang

    (Rural Energy and Environment Agency, Ministry of Shandong, Jinan 250100, China)

  • Liyong Bai

    (Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China)

  • Jiulan Dai

    (Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China)

Abstract

Maize and wheat grains are at significant risk of accumulating excessive heavy metals in acidic soils, but relatively few comparative studies have been conducted on the two. This study employed Spearman correlation analysis, random forest modeling, and structural equation modeling to systematically investigate the interdependences between soil properties and heavy metal accumulation (Cd, Cr, As, Pb, Hg) in cereal grains. The results revealed distinct patterns in heavy metal content sequences between wheat and maize grains: maize exhibited Cr > Pb > As > Cd > Hg, while wheat followed Cr > Pb > Cd > As > Hg. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) sequences differed significantly, showing Hg > Cd > As > Cr > Pb in maize versus Cd > Hg > As > Cr > Pb in wheat. Soil cation exchange capacity demonstrated the strongest influence on Cd accumulation in both crops. Arsenic accumulation mechanisms displayed species-specific dependencies, with wheat primarily regulated by soil organic matter and maize by clay content. Notably, a significant positive correlation ( p ≤ 0.05) between As and Pb concentrations was observed in both crops, suggesting potential homologous pollution sources. These findings elucidate crop-specific heavy metal accumulation mechanisms governed by soil physicochemical properties. This study demonstrates that under similar growing conditions, maize (BCF = 0.068) exhibits a weaker ability to accumulate heavy metals compared to wheat (BCF = 0.467). Moreover, maize and wheat showed distinct responses to soil properties, particularly in their accumulation of As and Cd. By addressing heavy metal contamination in acidic soils, this work supports the development of safer agricultural practices and improved crop quality control.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaorou Wang & Pengchao Lv & Fujin Zhang & Weiyu Wang & Xunsheng Liu & Qiang Zhang & Jingjing Mu & Xianmin Huang & Liyong Bai & Jiulan Dai, 2025. "Heavy Metal Accumulation in Maize and Wheat in Acidic Soil: A Comparative Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:2084-:d:1601981
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anne Carolina Rodrigues Klaar & Stefano Frizzo Stefenon & Laio Oriel Seman & Viviana Cocco Mariani & Leandro dos Santos Coelho, 2023. "Structure Optimization of Ensemble Learning Methods and Seasonal Decomposition Approaches to Energy Price Forecasting in Latin America: A Case Study about Mexico," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-17, March.
    2. Xuanxuan Zhao & Jiaxing Zhang & Ruijun Ma & Hui Luo & Tao Wan & Dongyang Yu & Yuanqian Hong, 2024. "Worldwide Examination of Magnetic Responses to Heavy Metal Pollution in Agricultural Soils," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-21, April.
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