Influence of Copper Contamination on Soil Physico-chemical Properties, Microbial Population and Enzyme Activities

Abstract

Heavy metals are known for their phytotoxicity and commonly used in agrochemicals to control plant pathogens. Accumulation of heavy metals in soil may occur through extensive use of heavy metal-based agrochemicals over time or from industrial pollution. However, this study was focussed on the immediate effect of the heavy metal, Copper (Cu) contamination on soil microbial population and soil enzyme activities (viz. acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase, urease & dehydrogenase). Soil with graded doses of Cu was prepared by treating soil samples with varying concentrations of Copper (ll) sulphatepentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) where three levels of CuSO4.5H2O (50, 100 & 200 mg/kg soil) treatments were formulated along with control. A significant decrease in soil microbial population and soil enzyme activities was observed in all treatments.