Determination of Heavy Metals in Fertilizer ‎Samples by X-ray Fluorescence Techniques

Abstract

The concentrations of heavy metals in the fertilizer samples collected from Iraq have been determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The agricultural practices have led to the depletion of the natural elements in soils. Therefore, phosphate fertilizers are used in huge amounts everywhere and are essential for agricultural crops, to increase the heavy metals in soil. The average concentration of Fe, K, Zn, Mg, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Ni were found to 5.27, 23.02, 0.36, 2.49, 0.171, 0.261, 0.052 and 0.021 %, respectively. The average heavy metal of Fe, K, Zn, Mg, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Ni were within the limits of those used worldwide. The obtained data could be useful as baseline data for heavy metals in fertilizers. The organic fertilizers are the main chemicals used by the agricultural sector. On the other hand, the results demonstrate the widely supported use of organic fertilizers in agriculture