Biogeochemical studies of coconut trees from the asbestos mining area Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Coconut trees occurring in and around asbestos mining area are selected. From these trees, roots, bark, midrib of the leaf, and leaflets were collected. Biogeochemical studies of coconut trees in the asbestos mining area of Brahmanapalli, Cuddapah District, Andhra Pradesh has been carried out. Organs of coconut trees, consisting of roots, bark, midrib of the leaf, and leaflets were analyzed for various elements viz., K, Mg, Fe, Na, Ba, Sr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Al, Mn, Ti, Mo, B, Be, and Cd on ash weight basis. The concentration of Mg is consistently high in all parts of trees. It is noted that some elements are not detected. The concentration of Mg is consistently high in the organs of coconut tree, compare to the concentration of other elements reflecting mineralization. It may be noted that basipetal trend is found in the case of Mg in asbestos mining area. Similarly Fe, Na, and Al are also high concentration in tree organs next to K and Mg concentrations. The variations in the concentration of trace elements may be attributed to the influence of organic matter. Coconut tree organs (leaflets) show maximum accumulation capability for K and Mg, and this organ may be used for biogeochemical reconnaissance surveys and may also useful as a tool for their possible application in mineral exploration.