Bulk sediment bioassays with five species of fresh-water oligochaetes

The fluxes of metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Al, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni) in two spruce forest soils in S. Sweden were quantified using the lysimeter technique. Amounts in precipitation (dry and wet), throughfall, litterfall and annual accumulation in biomass were also quantified, as well as stores in soil and biomass. The metal concentrations of the soil solutions varied greatly according to season. The leaching of some metals (Fe, Cu, Pb, Cr, and organic forms of Al) was associated with the leaching of organic matter. These complexes were leached from the A horizon in considerable amounts. They were precipitated in the upper B horizon and only small amounts were transported further downward. By contrast, the leaching of Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Cd, Zn, Ni, and inorganic forms of Al increased with increasing soil depth. The concentrations of these metals also increased with increasing soil solution acidity. The highest concentrations were often found at the transition to the C horizon. The amounts of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Al, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Ni leached from the rooting zone were found to be larger than the amounts deposited from the atmosphere, the main source of these metals being the mineral soil. The reverse was true of Ph, Cu, and Fe, the sink being the upper part of the B horizon.     

Flüssebilanzen und aktuelle Änderungsraten der Schwermetall-Vorräte in Wald-Ökosystemen des Soiling

Flux balances and current rates of change of heavy metal stores in forest ecosystems of the Soiling The inventory of the heavy metals Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb is calculated for a beech and a spruce forest ecosystem in the Soiling mountains on the basis of measured concentrations in the vegetation and soil compartments and their dry mass per hectare. The inventory is compared with measured heavy metal fluxes coupled with precipitation above and below the canopy, with seepage water fluxes below the rooting zone (50 cm depth), with litterfall, and with the current increment to biomass. The ratios between heavy metal stores in the forest floor layers (table 3) and the annual flux with litterfall (table 4) show decreasing tendency for liberation of the elements by decomposition of organic matter (OM) in the following order: Mn>OM>Ni>Cd>Cu>Cr ≈? Zn>Co ≈? Fe ≈? Pb Manganese is set free faster than total organic matter. The flux balances for the total ecosystems (table 4) show input > output in the case of Cr, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb; input ≈? output for Ni and Zn; input < output for Mn and Co. Heavy metal stores in mineral soil are decreasing by percolation losses and increment to biomass (mainly wood) in the case of all elements investigated, except Zn (under beech), Cd and Pb (table 4). The concentrations of Cu and Pb in the forest floor layers have reached levels at which deleterious effects on microorganisms and litter decomposition are to be expected.     

Der Einfluß der natürlichen organischen Substanzen auf die Metallverteilung zwischen Boden und Bodenlösung in einem sauren Waldboden

The influence of organic matter in the translocation of metals between soil and soil solution of an acid forest soil Water extracts were prepared from soil samples which were collected from a soil profile showing very little variation in the texture down to a depth of 120 cm and thus only little translocation of clay in the soil profile. The aim of the study was to describe the distribution between soil and soil solution of several metals like Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Al and Mn as a function of humic substances, electrolyte concentration and pH. From the experimental results the following hypothesis on the reaction mechanisms involving metals and humus derived substances has been deduced. The metals Cu, Fe, Al and Pb are mobilized through complexation by soluble humus substances in addition to the usual pH dependent desorption and dissolution of hydroxides. This mobilization determines the solution concentration of Cu and Fe at pH > 3.7 and Al and Pb at pH > 4.2. Al, Fe and Pb are complexed selectively by high molecular weight humus derived substances which undergo adsorption on soil mineral surfaces. Cu interacts with low molecular weight humus derived substances which are not easily adsorbed by the mineral surfaces. Zn, Cd and Mn primarily undergo sorption and are thus controlled by pH and electrolyte concentration of solutions because their complexation with humus derived substances seems to be weak or nonexistant. It is further postulated that the humus derived substances mobilize Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions. By this, other metals like Cd, Zn, Mn, Ca and Mg can occupy the free exchange sites.     

Leaching of metals from a spruce forest soil as influenced by experimental acidification

Acidified (H₂SO₄+HNO₃, 3:1) throughfall waters (pH 3.16 and 3.40 as volume weighted means or control (untreated throughfall water, pH 3.72) were applied for 3.5 yr by an automatic irrigation device to lysimeters containing podzolized spruce forest soils of 0–5, 0–15 and 0–35 cm soil depth. The total volume of the leachates was measured together with their pH and total content of DOC, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Al, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb and the initial amounts of metals and H in the soil. The main part of H⁺ added with the throughfall waters was retained within the soil. Concentrations and fluxes of Mg, Ca, Mn, Zn and Cd in the soil were significantly increased by addition of acidified throughfall waters; K was less affected. As a consequence of lowered flux of DOC in the A horizon as acid input increased, Fe, Al, Cu, and Pb fluxes also decreased. The mobility of these metals in the A horizon was shown to be regulated mainly by the formation of watersoluble organic compounds rather than directly by pH variations. Compared to the control, the additional annual loss of Mg from the soil profile in the most acid treatment was c. 10% of the currently exchangeable amount.     

Metal Pools, Fluxes, and Budgets in an Acidified Forested Catchment on the Precambrian Shield, Central Ontario, Canada

Atmospheric emissions of metals have decreased in North America; yet, metals remain an environmental concern due to their environmental persistence and toxicity to biota. In this study, pools and mass budgets were calculated for 15 metals in an acidified forested catchment in Central Ontario. Metals that were enriched in bulk deposition over background average values (As, Cd, Pb, Zn) were generally enriched in the forest floor and upper lake sediment. While the metal pool in vegetation is small compared with the soil pool, internal cycling of metals via litterfall is comparable to atmospheric deposition, soil water, and stream fluxes. Partitioning coefficients calculated from metal concentrations in soil water and bulk soil suggest that Cd, Mn, Ni, and Zn are the most mobile. The mineral soil and lake sediments were sinks for most metals, while the wetland was a source of metals during the study year, which was a drought year. Overall, lithogenic metals (Al, Ba, Co, Fe, Mn, Rb, Sr, Zn) primarily from a weathering source generally exhibited net export from the catchment, while metals contained in atmospheric pollution (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V) exhibited net retention. Despite the acidified nature of the catchment, it functions to retain many pollutant metals.     

Gehalte von Baumwurzeln an chemischen Elementen einschließlich Schwermetallen aus Luftverunreinigungen

Concentrations of chemical elements in tree roots including heavy metals from air pollution Total concentrations of P, S, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were measured in roots from beech, spruce, ash, maple and a forest herb (Mercurialis perennis). The root samples were taken from a site with an acid soil type (Saure Braunerde) and from a site with calcareous soil (Rendzina). All elements except Mn, Zn and Pb (on acid soils) and Ca (on calcareous soils) showed higher concentrations in finest roots (<1 mm diameter) compared to fine roots (1–2 mm). In the case of the toxic heavy metals, this is interpreted as a consequence of reduced root uptake due to physiological processes or to organic complexing, followed by an accumulation at the root surface. Compared with aboveground plant parts, roots show accumulation of Al, Pb, Cd and Zn, indicating reduced translocation from roots to shoots. Roots from acid soil show higher concentrations of P, Mn, and Pb than in calcareous soil. The concentrations of Al and heavy metals in the roots are considered to be a consequence of the contamination of the investigated forest sites by long-range transported air pollutants, i.e. acid precipitation and deposition of heavy metals.     

Leaching of metals from the A-horizon of a spruce forest soil

The study quantifies the amount of metals (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, V, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) leached from the A-horizon of a podzolic spruce forest soil in southern Sweden during 2.5 yr, and offers statistical evidence of environmental conditions of importance to metal release. Considerable losses of Pb, Cr, Ni and V may occur from the A-horizon of forest soils under conditions favoring leaching of organic matter, Fe, and Al, i.e. during periods of comparably high soil temperature and moisture. Metals with a larger fraction present in exchangeable form (Na, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cd) are more susceptible to minor pH changes. An accelerated deposition or internal production of acidic matter therefore will reduce the retention times of these elements particularly.     

Heavy metal contamination of soils in Northern Slovakia

Environmental damages like forest decline in Northern Slovakia could be a result of long-distance transport of pollutants with the dominating north-west winds. On 10 sites, primarily in the northbound upper slopes of west-east oriented mountain ranges in Northern Slovakia, the extent of the heavy metal contamination in soils along a north-south transect was examined. Oi, Oe, Oa, A, and B horizons were sampled and the total concentrations of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined. The ranges of heavy metal concentrations in the forest floor were higher than reported for comparable samples from Bavarian soils except for Zn (Cd: 0.65–1.77; Cr: 12–40; Cu: 19–41; Ni: 8–24; Pb: 70–187; Zn: 31–92 mg kg^?1), in the mineral soil the concentrations were lower. The depth distribution of the metal concentrations indicated a contamination with Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The concentration differences between forest floor and mineral soil tended to be higher at the northern than at the southern sites for Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, indicating a long-distance transport from the north. Correlation and principal component analyses of the total metal concentrations revealed three groups: Cu, Pb, and Zn inputs mainly seemed to result from long-distance transport from the north, Cr and Ni inputs additionally from local sources. Cd probably had its origin mainly in local sources. This result was further confirmed by the grouping of the sites when clustered.     

Effects of acid rain on ion leaching in a danish forest soil

The mobility of major cations (H⁺, ammonium, Al, Ca, Na, Mg, K, Fe), heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Ni, Cd) and anions (chloride, sulphate and nitrate) was studied in the laboratory in an acidified brown soil from a Norway spruce forest. Lysimeters containing undisturbed soil columns of the A-horizon and the A- plus B-horizon were watered with 540 mm of throughfall precipitation collected in situ, either directly (pH 3.6) or adjusted to pH 3.3 or 2.8. The pH 3.3 treatment increased leaching of Mn and Cd from the B-horizon. The pH 2.8 treatment increased leaching of ammonium, Na, Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Zn and Cd from the A-horizon and ammonium, Al, Na, Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Zn and Cd from the B-horizon. Fe leaching from the A-horizon was decreased by both acidic treatments, and the pH of the leachates was not significantly affected. Sulphate retention was 138-161 meq m^?2 yr^?1 by all treatments. Due to experimental conditions nitrate leaching was observed in all lysimeters.     

不同树种下林下参土壤重金属含量差异分析

为解不同树种下林下参土壤中重金属含量的差异,以林下参护育中的胡桃楸、榆树、松树和杨树为研究对象,分析林下土壤中Al,Cd,Cr,Cu,Fe,Mn,Pb,V,Zn九种重金属含量。结果表明:不同树种下林下参土壤中重金属含量差别较大;重金属全量的变异系数以Cu最大,为0.33,而有效态含量的变异系数以Fe最大,达到了0.57;土壤中Cd的总量为0.390 mg/kg,大于国家土壤环境质量二级标准,值得引起注意;土壤中有效态Cd,Cu,Fe,Pb,V,Zn含量均以胡桃楸下为最高,有效态Al,Cr含量以松树下最高,杨树下有效态Cd,Cu,Fe的含量为各树种间最低;林下参重金属富集系数以Zn,Cu,Cr为最高,分别为0.445,0.473和0.279;林下参红皮病的发病指数以胡桃楸下最高而以杨树下最低,并与土壤中有效态铁含量呈显著正相关,与有效态锰含量呈显著负相关（p < 0.01）,相关系数分别为0.796和0.76。     

植被恢复模式对土壤重金属质量分数和土壤酶活性的影响——以山东省淄博市四宝山破坏山体为例

矿产资源开采造成了严重的重金属污染,为选择合理植被恢复模式以修复土壤重金属污染,以淄博市四宝山破坏山体不同植被恢复模式为对象,测定土壤有机质、全氮、碱解氮、有效磷、速效钾质量分数,pH值等主要化学性质,土壤多酚氧化酶、过氧化氢酶、过氧化物酶、脲酶活性和Cu、Zn、Cd等7种重金属质量分数,分析不同植被恢复模式对土壤重金属质量分数及土壤酶活性的影响.结果表明:1)实验区土壤中重金属Zn轻度污染,Cu和Cd重度污染,其他重金属均不构成污染;2)各人工植被恢复模式土壤重金属质量分数均低于灌草丛的,其中黑松林对土壤Cu、Cd的修复效果最好,侧柏林对土壤Zn的修复效果最好;3)土壤重金属全量在垂直分布上规律复杂,有效量均表现为下层高于上层,土壤有效Cu、有效Zn、有效Cd下层比上层依次高9.24％～18.94％、0.97％～20.09％和5.48％～35.51％;4)在影响土壤酶活性的各种因素中,破坏山体土壤重金属有效量与土壤化学性质的影响最为明显,处于同等重要的地位.本研究发现,Cu、Zn、Cd均对4种土壤酶活性表现出了抑制作用,建议用土壤多酚氧化酶、过氧化氢酶、脲酶活性作为破坏山体土壤重金属Cu污染的评价指标.     

Changes of Al and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Slovak Soils During the Last 25 Years

The objective of this study was to investigate changes of total concentrations and various extract-defined Al and heavy metal fractions in Slovak agricultural soils during the last 25 years. We compared 7 stored soil samples collected between 1966 and 1970 with samples collected in 1994 at the same sites. Seven fractions of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined with a sequential extraction procedure in all samples. Total concentrations of Cd, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Cu were lower in the 1994 samples; those of Al, Fe, Pb, and Cr were higher. Based on the initial concentrations, the average total concentration changes were: Cd(-10,3%)<Zn(-7,2%)<Mn(-4,8%)<Ni(-2,3%)<Cu(-1,4%)<Al(+2,1%)<Fe(+2,9%)<Cr(+7,4%)<Pb(+8,3%). This row is consistent with the decrease in metal mobility. The differences in salt-extractable metals showed the same pattern; however, changes were more pronounced than for total concentrations. The results suggest that decreases during the last 25 years are caused by higher leaching than deposition rates and increases vice versa. The highest increase in Cr and Pb concentrations is observed in the EDTA-extractable fraction, which mainly characterizes organically bound metals.     

Batch‐Determined Elements Release from Wood Ash Mixed with an Acidic Forest Soil Sample

Abstract

A serial batch leaching experiment was carried out to evaluate the release of elements from wood ash mixed with a strongly acidic forest soil sample. Wood ash application resulted in increased leachate pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and electrical conductivity (EC). Increasing application of wood ash increased cumulative release of inorganic carbon (IC), chloride (Cl), nitrate (NO₃), sulfate (SO₄), potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), and copper (Cu). Release of NO₃, P, iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), Cu, and lead (Pb) continued. Large amounts of DOC, K, Ca, and SO₄ were mobilized. Inorganic C, Fe, and Mg were released in moderate quantities. Manganese, Na, Al, Cl, and NO₃ were released in limited amounts. Amounts of leached P, Pb, and Cu were lower. The mixed order equation adequately described the release of elements in the soil‐ash mixture. Accumulation of elevated amounts of trace elements does not appear to be a problem when higher wood ash rates are avoided. Wood ash should be applied in split application to avoid short‐term concentrated alkaline and salty conditions that could interfere with plant growth.     

Interaction between an acidic mine water and an agricultural soil material

A column filtering experiment was conducted to investigate interaction between an acidic mine water and an agricultural soil material during percolation of the mine water through the soil column. The results show that the mine water-borne mineral acid, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd was markedly held by the soil during the earlier stage of the experiment. Approximately 1/3 of the retained acid was only physically held by the soil while the remaining 2/3 of the retained acid was either physiochemically or chemically bound to soil colloids. There was a tendency that the retained acid decreased with increasing depth of the soil column. Except for Cd, the capacity of soil to remove these heavy metals from the mine water persisted longer, compared to mineral acid. In contrast with mineral acid, the concentration of retained heavy metals increased with increasing depth, suggesting that these metal ions are less competitive than major acidic cations such as Al³⁺, H⁺ and Fe³⁺ for available adsorption sites in the upper soil layers. Mine water-borne Cu, Cd and Pb were immobilized predominantly in exchangeable and oxide-bound forms while mine water-borne Zn was immobilized mainly in carbonate- and organic-bound forms. During mine water infiltration, some soil-borne metals were mobilized and leached out of the soil under acidic conditions during the latter stage of filtration operations. Unlike Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd, mine water-borne Fe was transformed into colloidal Fe oxides/hydroxides which were carried by the downflowing water. A large proportion of mine water-borne Mn was only physically held, probably not necessarily in soluble forms but in colloidal forms.     

Spatial distribution of soil heavy metal concentrations as indicator of pollution sources at Mount Križna (Great Fatra,central Slovakia)

The objective of this study was to test the suitability of a simple approach to identify the direction from where airborne heavy metals reach the study area as indication of their sources. We examined the distribution of heavy metals in soil profiles and along differently exposed transects. Samples were taken from 10 soils derived from the same parent material along N-, S-, and SE-exposed transects at 0—10, 10—20, and 20—40 cm depth and analyzed for total Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations. The heavy metal concentrations at 0—10 cm were larger than background concentrations in German arable soils except for Cr (Cd: 0.6—1.8 mg kg^—1; Cr: 39—67; Cu: 40—77; Ni: 87—156; Pb: 48—94; Zn: 71—129; Fe: 26—34 g kg^—1; Mn: 1.1—2.4). Decreasing Cd, Cu, Mn, and Pb concentrations with increasing soil depth pointed at atmospheric inputs. Aluminum and Ni concentrations increased with soil depth. Those of Fe, Cr, and Zn did not change with depth indicating that inputs at most equalled leaching losses. The Pb accumulation in the surface layer (i.e. the ratio between the Pb concentrations at 0—10 to those at 20—40 cm depth) was most pronounced at N-exposed sites; Pb obviously reached Mount Križna mainly by long-range transport from N where several industrial agglomerations are located. Substantial Cd, Cu, and Mn accumulations at the S- and SE-exposed sites indicated local sources such as mining near to the study area which probably are also the reason for slight Cr and Zn accumulations in the SE-exposed soils. Based on a principal component analysis of the total concentrations in the topsoils four metal groups may be distinguished: 1. Cr, Ni, Zn; 2. Mn, Cd; 3. Pb (positive loading), Cu (negative loading); 4. Al, Fe, indicating common sources and distribution patterns. The results demonstrate that the spatial distribution of soil heavy metal concentrations can be used as indication of the location of pollution sources.     

Trace element distribution within the tree phytomass and forest floor of a tolerant hardwood stand,Algoma, Ontario

An examination of tree phytomass and trace metal concentrations (w/w) and pools in the tree stratum and forest floor of a sugar maple-yellow birch forest was carried out at Turkey Lakes Watershed, Algoma District, Ontario. Estimated aboveground tree phytomass (167, 500 kg ha^?1) was dominated by stemwood, branches > 2 cm, and stem bark. Highest trace metal concentrations were found in foliage (Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni) and stem bark (Cd, Pb, Zn). Concentrations of essential trace metals found in all sugar maple components followed the expected sequence of Mn>Fe>Zn>Cu. Lead and Ni concentations were always higher than those of Cd. Concentrations of essential elements in foliage and other components were comparable to those reported in the literature for other localities in North America. There was no indication that availability of essential trace elements (e.g., Cu) to vegetation had been increased as a result of increased atmospheric deposition. Lead, Ni and Cd levels in vegetation and forest floor were lower than those reported for similar forested areas of the northeastern United States.     

Forest clearcutting effects on trace metal concentrations: Spatial patterns in soil solutions and streams

Increased concentrations of solutes in drainage waters following forest clearcutting may affect downstream water quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate some of the processes regulating concentrations of trace metals and Fe in soil solutions and streamwater in a clearcut watershed by determining changes in metal release by soil horizon, stand vegetation and elevation. Commercial whole-tree harvesting of a watershed at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH, U.S.A. resulted in increased loss of NO _inf3 ^sup? from the study watershed. This N0 _inf3 ^sup? loss resulted in acidification of soil solutions, which was associated with release of Mn and Zn from mineral soil to soil solutions and streamwater. Significant correlations of Pb and Fe with dissolved organic C (DOC) suggested that mobilization of these metals was linked to DOC transfer. However, there was little evidence of increased release of DOC, Fe, or Pb following the whole-tree harvest, except in a high elevation spruce-fir zone with shallow soils.     

Wet Deposition of Trace Metals in Singapore

The concentrations of 12 trace metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe,Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, V, and Ti) in wet depositions are reported. Eighty four rainwater samples were collected using an automated wet-only sampler in Singapore for one year (2000) and subjected to chemical analysis using ICP-MS. Based on the volume-weighted meanconcentrations measured, the trace metals were classified into three groups: Al and Fe with an average concentration of largerthan 15 μg L^-1, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, V, and Ti withconcentrations between 1 and 10 μg L^-1, and finally Co and Cd with concentrations lower than 1 μg L^-1. Elementenrichment factors were calculated to distinguish between naturaland anthropogenic sources. The calculation of crustal enrichmentfactors with Al as the reference element indicated that while Ti,Fe and Mn originated from crustal sources, the remaining trace metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and V) were mainly derived from anthropogenic sources. The removal of the trace metals from the atmosphere by precipitation was influenced by the rainfall amount as well as pH. The magnitude of the measured average annual wet deposition fluxes of Al, Fe, and combustion-generatedelements such as V, Ni, and Cu is higher than that reportedfor other sites outside Singapore, owing to abundant rainfallthroughout the year in this region.     

Distribution of rare-earth (Y,La, Ce) and other heavy metals in the profiles of the podzolic soil group

Along with Fe and Al, many heavy metals (Mn, Cr, Zn, Cu, and Ni) show a markedly pronounced eluvial-illuvial redistribution in the profiles of soils of the podzolic group. The intensity of the redistribution of the bulk forms of these metals is comparable with that of Fe and exceeds that of Al. Although the podzolic soils are depleted of rare-earth metals, the latter respond readily to soil podzolization. The inactive participation of Al is explained by an insignificant portion of the active reaction-capable fraction. Podzolization does not influence the profile distribution of Sr and Ba. The leaching degree of heavy metals such as Mn, Cr, Zn, Ni, and Zr is noticeably higher in the sandy podzols than in the loamy podzolic soils. Leaching of heavy metals from the podzolic horizons is of geochemical importance, whereas the depletion of metals participating in plant nutrition and biota development is of ecological importance. The leaching of heavy metals is related to the destruction of clay particles in the heavy-textured podzolic soils; the effect of the soil acidity on the leaching of heavy metals is less significant.     

Heavy‐metal displacement in chelate‐treated soil with sludge during phytoremediation

Heavy metals (HMs) in domestic sewage sludge, applied to land, contaminate soils. Phytoremediation is the use of plants to clean‐up toxic HMs from soil. Chelating agents are added to soil to solubilize the metals for enhanced uptake. Yet no studies report the displacement of HMs in soil with sludge following solubilization with chelates. The objective of this work was to determine the uptake or leaching of HMs due to a chelate added to a soil from a sludge farm that had received sludge for 25 y. The soil was placed in long columns (105 cm long; ?? 39 cm) in a greenhouse. Columns either had a plant (hybrid poplar; Populus deltoides Marsh. × P. nigra L.) or no plant. After the poplar seedlings had grown for 144 d, the tetrasodium salt of the chelating agent EDTA was irrigated onto the surface of the soil at a rate of 1 g per kg of soil. Drainage water, soil, and plants were analyzed for three toxic HMs (Cd, Ni, Pb) and four essential HMs (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn). At harvest, extractable and total concentrations of each HM in the soil with EDTA were similar to those in soil without EDTA. The chelate did not affect the concentrations of HMs in the roots or leaves. With or without plants, EDTA mobilized all seven HMs and increased their concentrations in drainage water. Lower concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn in leachate from columns with EDTA and plants compared to columns with EDTA and no plants showed that poplars can reduce groundwater contamination by intercepting these HMs in the soil. But the poplar plants did not reduce Pb and Mn in the leachate from columns with EDTA. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in the leachate mobilized by EDTA remained above drinking‐water standards with or without plants. The results showed that a chelate (EDTA) should not be added to a soil at a sludge farm to enhance phytoremediation. The chelate mobilized HMs that leached to drainage water and contaminated it.