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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. sp1 (2025): Recent Advances in Agriculture by Young Minds - II

Heavy metal distribution in profile samples of different land use systems in post gold mining areas of Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Karnataka

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.10043
Submitted
13 June 2025
Published
07-10-2025

Abstract

Intensive gold mining activities in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Karnataka, have resulted in substantial buildup of toxic heavy metals in surrounding ecosystems. This study investigates the spatial and vertical distribution of eight heavy metals (iron, copper, manganese, zinc, nickel, cadmium, lead and arsenic) across profile samples of four land use systems ALUS (agricultural land use system), HLUS (horticultural land use system), BLUS (barren land use system) and FLUS (forest land use system) in the post mining areas. Metal concentration trends across soil depths were analyzed using multivariate techniques. Arsenic (As) and manganese (Mn) emerged as the most abundant contaminants, especially in BLUS (28.56 mg kg-1 and 37.72 mg kg-1) respectively. Surface horizons consistently showed higher metal accumulation. The heavy metals in four land use systems followed the order of Mn> Fe> As> Ni> Cu> Zn> Pb> Cd.  Such elevated levels of heavy metals can impair plant growth by disrupting nutrient uptake and inducing phytotoxic effects, thereby lowering crop productivity in contaminated soils. The decline in soil fertility associated with heavy metal build up highlights the urgent need for sustainable land management in post mining regions. Phytoremediation strategies, including the use of hyperaccumulator plants, offer a viable approach to restore soil health and mitigate ecological risk. Multivariate analysis like cluster analysis revealed strong association among metals, particularly Fe, Cu, Zn and As. Cluster analysis grouped ALUS and HLUS due to similar moderate contamination levels and same land management practices, while BLUS and FLUS formed distinct cluster with elevated metal loads. The heat map and box plot confirmed high spatial and vertical variability of heavy metal distribution. These findings underscore the environmental risks posed by abandoned mine tailings in the region and the damage it causes to plants and surrounding ecosystem.

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