Investigation of trace element accumulation in Cockscomb (Celosia argentea Linn) grown in soil amended with chicken manure via some pollution indices

Abstract Trace elements such as Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu) and Manganese (Mn) in chicken manure can contaminate soil and bioaccumulate in edible tissues of plant resulting in food chain contamination. This study investigated the influence of chicken manure on trace element load of soil and accumulation in tissues of Celosia argentea. Potted soil, 5kg each was amended with either conventional chicken manure (CCM) or local chicken manure (LCM) at rates of 4, 6, 8, and 10 t ha− 1 and compared with control soil (no amendment). Treatments were replicated trice in a Completely Randomized Design. Results showed that soil trace element pollution increased with rates of amendments. Pollution indices; contamination factor, degree of contamination, elemental pollution index, pollution load index and total contamination factor were significantly (p ≤ 0.001) higher in soil amended with CCM than LCM. Bioaccumulation coefficients (BAC), bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and transfer factor (TF) of trace elements were higher in tissues of celosia grown with CCM than LCM. Contamination factor and PLI contributed most (92.7%) to soil’s effective CEC. Above 4 t ha− 1, growth and yield were not significantly influenced by amendments. Root to shoot translocation of trace element was restricted by amendments. Potential risks of Cu and Mn accumulation in edible shoot of celosia are eminent above 6 t ha− 1 of the amendments.