Heavy metals (kind and amount) in Zarjoob River and their effects on rice and paddy soils under its irrigation

Low quality water use for agricultural production is increasingly regarded as a solution for water scarcity, and also provide new sources of water for higher food production in the world. But its use could create environmental and health hazards and prevent to achieve sustainable agriculture. The objectives of this study are to investigate the extent and degree of heavy metal contamination (Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb)) at 23 points along Zarjoob river in water, soils of paddy fields under its irrigation, and rice grains and straws (Hashemi var.) and also the relationship between heavy metals concentration and soil phsico-chemical properties (pH, CEC, texture, TNV, EC) and rice grain and straw were determined. The analytical results indicated measured heavy metals concentration in water, soil and plant tissues (except a numbers) are less than critical levels, however an increasing trend was found with river length (before city