TRANSFER OF ARSENIC IN THE WATER-SOIL-MAIZE SYSTEM OF Zea mays L. OF CULTIVATED IN THE QUEBRADA DE CAMIÑA, NORTHERN CHILE

Abstract

In the Quebrada de Camiña, northern Chile, the natural waters used to grow maize (Zea mays L.), exceed the arsenic concentration five times the NCh1333. In this work, the capacity of phytoextraction by bioconcentration factor (CBF) and the risk of grain and leaf consumption were determined by calculating percentages translocation factor (PFT) of leaf and grain in adult plants obtained from six sites of the valley of Camiña, integrating the characterization of waters and soils. The concentration in the water was 0.41 ± 0.09 mg/L. The contaminated soils presented significant differences (p <0.05) between the sites, defining three levels: 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg. The values in leaves and grains were variable 3.9 ± 2.0 and 0.10 ± 0.14 mg/kg, respectively. There is no linear relationship between soil and root and aerial parts. The roots absorb and accumulate arsenic, obtaining CBF of 2.36 ± 1.10 (n = 30), however, the transfer of the root to the aerial part does not occur, since the PFT obtained were quite low (between 1.57 to 5.90% in leaves and 0.02 to 0.11% in grains), consequently, there is no risk in consumption.