Abstract
Arsenic is a carcinogenic element that occurs naturally in the environment. High levels of arsenic are found in water in some parts of the world, including Texas. The aims of this study were to determine the distribution of arsenic in muskmelon (Cucumis melo) plants accumulated from arsenic spiked water and to observe effects on plant biomass. Plants were grown and irrigated using water spiked with variable concentrations of arsenic. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to quantify arsenic in different parts of the plant and fruit. Under all conditions tested in this study, the highest concentrations of arsenic were found in the leaves, soil, and roots. Arsenic in the water had no significant effect on plant biomass. Fruits analyzed in this study had arsenic concentrations of 101 μg/kg or less. Consuming these fruits would result in less arsenic exposure than drinking water at recommended levels.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) and the Texas Tech University Graduate School for funding in support of this project. Plants were grown with support from the USDA office in Lubbock, TX and Lubbock Christian University. Monsanto was generous in their support of materials required for this research.
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Hettick, B.E., Cañas-Carrell, J.E., Martin, K. et al. Arsenic Uptake by Muskmelon (Cucumis melo) Plants from Contaminated Water. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 97, 395–400 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-016-1893-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-016-1893-5