The effect of untreated sewage water on concentration of elements in four olive cultivars in Masalata area

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Masalata area near the Central Hospital. It included four olive cultivars (*Olea europeae* L.): Rasly, Zrazy, Jaddawy, and Gergashy. Leaves and fruits were collected from November 15, 2007, to January 30, 2008. Samples from the test group were collected from an area with untreated sewage water, while control samples were collected from the same cultivars in an area free of sewage water, located about 3 km from the study area. The aim was to study the effect of untreated sewage water on the concentration of elements in the leaves.

The analysis results showed significant differences in mineral element content between the leaves of the test and control cultivars. The average percentages of nitrogen and magnesium in the leaves of the test Rasly cultivar were 1.11% and 0.42%, respectively, showing a significant difference compared to the control Rasly (1.01% and 0.28%). For the Zrazy test cultivar, the average percentages of nitrogen, potassium, and sodium were 1.42%, 0.30%, and 0.07%, respectively, significantly higher than the control (0.92%, 0.24%, 0.03%). The Jaddawy test cultivar showed significantly higher average percentages of nitrogen and chloride (1.13%, 0.30%) compared to the control (0.77%, 0.26%). The Gergashy test cultivar had significantly higher average percentages of nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium (0.95%, 0.99%, 0.33%) compared to the control (0.76%, 0.31%, 0.21%).

For trace elements, the average zinc content was significantly higher in the test Rasly cultivar (22 ppm) compared to the control (17 ppm). Manganese average was significantly higher in the control Rasly (41 ppm) compared to the test (20 ppm). Lead and cadmium were not detected in any cultivars, likely due to absence or levels below detection. No significant differences were found for other elements in Rasly. For Zrazy, average iron was significantly higher in the control (130 ppm) than the test (113 ppm), with no significant differences for other elements. No significant differences were found for all elements in Jaddawy. For Gergashy, average iron and manganese were significantly higher in the control (105, 23 ppm) than the test (75, 15 ppm).