Soil contamination by heavy metals in vineyard of a semiarid region: An approach using multivariate analysis

Contamination of vineyard soils by the continuous use of cupric fungicides and fertilizers has been a worldwide concern. The objective of this study was to determine the total concentration of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb from vineyard soils of a semiarid region in Brazil. Soil samples at 0-20 and 20-40 cm depth were collected in areas under 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16 and 30 years of cultivation, and compared with native vegetation areas. Samples were digested and total metal concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In general, concentrations of Mn, Ni, Fe and Pb were similar to those values found in the reference area, being regarded as background concentrations. On the other hand, Zn and Cu were mainly derived from the widespread use of fertilizers (e.g., phosphate application) and cupric fungicides, respectively. Discriminant analysis clearly demonstrated higher metal accumulation in surface soil samples, chiefly Zn and Cu owing to Zn and Cu-containing chemicals and accumulation of organic matter. This tool was also useful to differentiate between natural and anthropogenic inputs of metals into soils. The high enrichment factor values for Cu and Zn showed that both were mainly derived from anthropogenic sources.