Multivariate analysis of selected metals in agricultural soil receiving UASB treated tannery effluent at Jajmau, Kanpur (India).

Tannery effluent and soils samples were collected from 12 different sites of an agricultural area receiving treated tannery wastewater near Kanpur city (India). The samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni and Pb) content with a view to assess the impact of industrial wastewater on agricultural soils. The results revealed elevated levels of Fe and Cr in agricultural soils irrigated with treated tannery effluents. Cluster analysis of tannery effluent and soil datasets yielded two groups of the metals and demonstrated their relationship in each media. Principal component analysis performed on two datasets yielded two significant factors each for the effluents and soils, suggested tanneries as the probable sources of metals in the soils.