Implications of wheat farming in Cd(II) and Pb(II) contaminated red eutrophic Oxisol: an experimental pilot investigation

Summary This study aimed (i) to assess the environmental problems of wheat farming in Oxisol with Cd and Pb below the acceptable levels established by national and international regulations, questioning their possible permissiveness; (ii) to investigate the metal distribution in wheat plant organs, and to predict possible implications of cultivation in hazardous conditions; (iii) to assess the grain and flour content of metals and to predict possible implications. The growth of plants, gas exchange parameters, nutritional composition, the yield of grains and metal distribution were evaluated. Cd and Pb are accumulated in different plant organs even when the legislation's limits are respected. 74% of Cd and 96% of Pb are accumulated in roots, while 3% of Cd and