Heavy metal fractionation in Fluvic Entisols under saline conditions in Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT The long-term use of agrichemicals might add some heavy metals to soils and, there is little information about the dynamics of these elements in soils under saline conditions in semiarid regions. This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of heavy metals in the different fractions of Fluvic Entisols with saline conditions under long term of coconut cultivation in a semiarid region. Composite soil samples were collected in five agricultural areas and three areas under native vegetation. Physical, chemical, and heavy metal analyses were carried out in soil (semi total and fractionated contents). Quality of irrigation water and drainage water was also evaluated. Analytical results were normalized and subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared by Scott-Knott test (P