VARIATION OF TRACE ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS IN THE SOIL: CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.973462408053

• Palavras-chave: Reference for Environmental Quality, Food Quality, Geochemistry, Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Management.

• Keywords: Reference for Environmental Quality, Food Quality, Geochemistry, Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Management.

• Abstract:

  Environmental quality, related to trace elements present in very low concentrations in the soil, is closely linked to food production. These elements, whether of natural or anthropogenic origin, have the potential to accumulate in plants and enter the food chain. The lack of some elements in the soil represents a deficiency in the population. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor these elements to avoid contamination, knowing the natural quantities and ensuring the sustainability of production environments. In this work, the challenges in the evaluation and management of the following elements are analyzed: cadmium, selenium, molybdenum, arsenic, cobalt, nickel, lead, copper, zinc, chromium and manganese. A systematic literature review was carried out on natural levels, using descriptive statistics techniques. The results demonstrate great variation between the locations analyzed, influenced by different geological formations. Therefore, it is essential to assess the soil carefully, knowing the actual natural levels. This will make it possible to identify sources of contamination and diagnose the nutrient potential in different environments. In this sense, appropriate public policies are necessary for environmental management and, consequently, for food quality.