Determination of the nutritional status and heavy metal content of melons and watermelons grown in Erciş district, Van province

This study aimed to determine the nutritional status and traffic-related heavy metal contents of plants in melon and watermelon-growing areas in the Erciş district of Van province. In the study, 16 soil samples were taken from 0-30 cm depth from 8 melon fields and 8 watermelon fields where melon and watermelon cultivation is done parallel to the coastline and around Kozluca village, where traffic is heavy and transit passage is continuous between Van province and Erciş district. In addition, leaf samples were taken from a total of 64 plants in the same fields (8 melons and 8 watermelons) with 4 replications. As a result of laboratory analyses, soil samples taken from watermelon and melon fields in the research area had a slightly sandy loam texture, slightly alkaline reaction (7.4-8.27%), slightly salty (0.08-0.42%), and low to moderate organic matter (1.74-2.23%) content. Other macronutrient levels were found as sufficient. When evaluated for micronutrients, the soils were found as deficient in Zn (0.16-0.45 mg kg-1) and Mn (2.21-9.14 mg kg-1). All heavy metals examined for melon fields were found as below the limit values. Other macronutrient levels were found as sufficient. When evaluated for micronutrients, the soils were found as deficient in Zn (0.16-0.45 mg kg-1) and Mn (2.21-9.14 mg kg-1). All heavy metals examined for melon fields were found as below the limit values. According to the results of plant nutrient analyses conducted on melon and watermelon plants, the contents of the macronutrients examined, except for P (0.41-0.50%) and Fe (36.81 mg kg-1), were found to be inadequate. Cd (0.53 mg kg-1) and Cr (1.61 mg kg-1) contents were found to be high compared to the limit values in watermelon plants along the highway. Analyses of melon plants also revealed low levels of macronutrient elements and Fe (24.03-25.15 mg kg-1), while high levels of Cr (3.53 mg kg-1) and Mo (11.38 mg kg-1) were found in plant samples along the highway. Consequently, nutrient deficiencies and high concentrations of some heavy metals compared to acceptable limit values were found in the plants. As a result, nutrient deficiencies and high concentrations of some heavy metals compared to acceptable limit values were detected in plants.