Sprinkler irrigation of rice fields reduces grain arsenic but enhances cadmium

Moreno-Jiménez, E; Meharg, AA; Smolders, E; Manzano, R; Becerra, D; Sánchez-Llerena, J; Albarrán, Á; López-Piñero, A

HERO ID

2337221

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2014

Language

English

PMID

24742557

HERO ID 2337221
In Press No
Year 2014
Title Sprinkler irrigation of rice fields reduces grain arsenic but enhances cadmium
Authors Moreno-Jiménez, E; Meharg, AA; Smolders, E; Manzano, R; Becerra, D; Sánchez-Llerena, J; Albarrán, Á; López-Piñero, A
Journal Science of the Total Environment
Volume 485-486
Page Numbers 468-473
Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that rice cultivated under flooded conditions has higher concentrations of arsenic (As) but lower cadmium (Cd) compared to rice grown in unsaturated soils. To validate such effects over long terms under Mediterranean conditions a field experiment, conducted over 7 successive years was established in SW Spain. The impact of water management on rice production and grain arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) was measured, and As speciation was determined to inform toxicity evaluation. Sprinkler irrigation was compared to traditional flooding. Both irrigation techniques resulted in similar grain yields (~3000kggrainha(-1)). Successive sprinkler irrigation over 7years decreased grain total As to one-sixth its initial concentration in the flooded system (0.55 to 0.09mgAskg(-1)), while one cycle of sprinkler irrigation also reduced grain total As by one-third (0.20mgkg(-1)). Grain inorganic As concentration increased up to 2 folds under flooded conditions compared to sprinkler irrigated fields while organic As was also lower in sprinkler system treatments, but to a lesser extent. This suggests that methylation is favored under water logging. However, sprinkler irrigation increased Cd transfer to grain by a factor of 10, reaching 0.05mgCdkg(-1) in 7years. Sprinkler systems in paddy fields seem particularly suited for Mediterranean climates and are able to mitigate against excessive As accumulation, but our evidence shows that an increased Cd load in rice grain may result.
Doi 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.106
Pmid 24742557
Wosid WOS:000337259000049
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Food safety; Arsenic speciation; Water management; Cadmium; Toxicity; Rice