Determination of “normal” levels and upper limit values of trace elements in soils

To determine “normal” levels of trace elements in soils, soil samples taken all over Belgium were analysed. The selection of the sampling places was based on the geological substrata, from which the soils originate and on the texture class to which they belong. The elements As, B, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Ti, V and Zn were determined using an extraction method with strong acids. The found concentrations were called “total acid extraction concentrations”, although this extraction does not extract all the elements which are incorporated into the minerals. This has been done, however, by arc emission spectrography which was applied to determine the elements Ag, B, Co, Cr, Ga, Mo, Ni, Sn, Sr and V. The greatest difference between the “overall total” concentrations and the “total extractable concentrations” were found for chromium. Based on the obtained results, an upper limit for normal levels of trace elements was fixed. For Ag, Cd, Hg, Pb and Sb, this upper limit value is almost the same for all the investigated soils irrelevant of their texture. The same conclusion could not be made for the other elements. For these elements, the soil texture and also the geological parent material, on which the soil was formed, have an influence on the upper limit value.     

Identifying the Sources and Contamination Status of Potentially Toxic Trace Elements in Agricultural Soils

Elevated concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements in agricultural soils contribute to soil pollution affecting food quality and safety. We assessed pollution levels in agricultural systems, lowland rice (LL) and highland cash crops (HL), by comparing with non-agricultural soils (NA). Correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed, and geo-accumulation index (I_geo) and pollution loading index (PLI) were calculated. Zinc in LL, and Cd in LL and HL, were significantly higher than in NA. The I_geo values of cooper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) ranged from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated (Class 0 to 2) for LL, HL, and NA. Overall, trace element levels were categorized as unpolluted based on PLI. Soil properties significantly correlated with Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn concentrations but not with Cd. Based on PCA, sources of origin for Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn were lithogenic, while the sources for Cd was anthropogenic in the studied agricultural soils.     

Spurenelemente in Bodensequenzen II. Zwei Pararendzina – Pseudogley – Sequenzen aus Löß

Trace elements in pedosequences II. Two Pararendzina-Pseudogley-sequences on loess Total amounts and fractions of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Co and Ni extractable in boiling oxalate (replacing dithionite for analytical reasons), oxalate at room temperature and EDTA were determined in two hydro-pedosequences on loess ranging between Pararendzina-Braunerde-Parabraunerde-Pseudogley. The pedogenic influence on the depth functions of these trace elements was much weaker in the loess soils than in those on slates of part I of this study. With a few exceptions external additions seem to be masked by soil cultivation. Clay movement (Alfisols) produced maxima of Fe and Cu in the B_t horizon. Carbonates of the parent loess contain trace elements which are released into the soil during solum formation. As long as they exist in carbonates they are hardly extractable with oxalate but with EDTA. In contrast, after pedogenic decomposition of the carbonates in the B horizon their trace elements are now oxalate but no longer EDTA extractable. In the A horizon, where organic matter is involved the trace elements are again EDTA extractable. As in the soils from slate (part I) Cd behaves more similarly to Pb than to Zn. The total element balance indicates a slight gain of Pb and loss of Zn whereas the total amount of the other elements was essentially unchanged. Generally, the more mobile fractions increased during soil formation.     

Modelling trace metal extractability and solubility in French forest soils by using soil properties

Soil/solution partitioning of trace metals (TM: Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Sb, Pb and Zn) has been investigated in six French forest sites that have been subjected to TM atmospheric inputs. Soil profiles have been sampled and analysed for major soil properties, and CaCl₂‐extractable and total metal content. Metal concentrations (expressed on a molar basis) in soil (total), in CaCl₂ extracts and soil solution collected monthly from fresh soil by centrifugation, were in the order: Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > Sb > Cd , Zn > Cu > Pb = Ni > Co > Cd > Cr and Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > Cr > Cd > Sb , respectively. Metal extractability and solubility were predicted by using soil properties. Soil pH was the most significant property in predicting metal partitioning, but TM behaviour differed between acid and non‐acid soils. TM extractability was predicted significantly by soil pH for pH < 6, and by soil pH and Fe content for all soil conditions. Total metal concentration in soil solution was predicted well by soil pH and organic carbon content for Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Zn, by Fe content for Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Sb and total soil metal content for Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Sb, with a better prediction for acidic conditions (pH < 6). At more alkaline pH conditions, solute concentrations of Cu, Cr, Sb and Pb were larger than predicted by the pH relationship, as a consequence of association with Fe colloids and complexing with dissolved organic carbon. Metal speciation in soil solutions determined by WHAM‐VI indicated that free metal ion (FMI) concentration was significantly related to soil pH for all pH conditions. The FMI concentrations of Cu and Zn were well predicted by pH alone, Pb by pH and Fe content and Cd, Co and Ni by soil pH and organic carbon content. Differences between soluble total metal and FMI concentrations were particularly large for pH < 6. This should be taken into account for risk and critical load assessment in the case of terrestrial ecosystems.     

Extractability and plant uptake of heavy metals in alum shale soils

Abstract

Fifty soil samples (0–20 cm) with corresponding numbers of grain, potatoes, cabbage, and cauliflower crops were collected from soils developed on alum shale materials in Southeastern Norway to investigate the availability of [cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn)] in the soil and the uptake of the metals by these crops. Both total (aqua regia soluble) and extractable [ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) and DTPA] concentrations of metals in the soils were studied. The total concentration of all the heavy metals in the soils were higher compared to other soils found in this region. Forty‐four percent of the soil samples had higher Cd concentration than the limit for application of sewage sludge, whereas the corresponding values for Ni, Cu, and Zn were 60%, 38%, and 16%, respectively. About 70% the soil samples had a too high concentration of one or more of the heavy metals in relation to the limit for application of sewage sludge. Cadmium was the most soluble of the heavy metals, implying that it is more bioavailable than the other non‐essential metals, Pb and Ni. The total (aqua regia soluble) concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni and the concentrations of DTPA‐extractable Cd and Ni were significantly higher in the loam soils than in the sandy loam soils. The amount of NH₄NCyextractable metals did not differ between the texture classes. The concentrations of DTPA‐extractable metals were positively and significantly correlated with the total concentrations of the same metals. Ammonium nitrate‐extractable metals, on the other hand, were not related to their total concentrations, but they were negatively and significantly correlated to soil pH. The average concentration of Cd (0.1 mg kg^‐1 d.w.) in the plants was relatively high compared to the concentration previously found in plants grown on the other soils. The concentrations of the other heavy metals Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Pb in the plants were considered to be within the normal range, except for some samples with relatively high concentrations of Ni and Mn (0–11.1 and 3.5 to 167 mg kg‘¹ d.w., respectively). The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Mn in grain were positively correlated to the concentrations of these respective metals in the soil extracted by NH₄NO₃. The plant concentrations were negatively correlated to pH. The DTPA‐extractable levels were not correlated with plant concentration and hence DTPA would not be a good extractant for determining plant availability in these soils.     

Arsenic and Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Native Plant Species from Soils Polluted by Mining Activities

Arsenic and heavy metal (specifically Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) uptake, translocation, and accumulation in ten native plant species spontaneously growing in soils polluted by mining activities were studied, with a focus on future phytoremediation work in polluted soils. Plant and soil samples were collected in the vicinity of the Mónica mine (NW Madrid, Spain). Soil analysis showed the ability of native plants for growing in soils with high concentration levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and especially As. From these elements, the highest percentage of extractable elements was found for Cd and the lowest for Pb. A highly significant correlation was observed between total and extractable element concentrations in soils, except for Cu, indicating that total concentration is the most relevant factor for element mobility in these soils. Extractable elements in soils were better correlated with concentrations in plants than total elements in soils; thus, extraction methods applied are suitable to estimate the element phytoavailable fraction in soils, which depends on the plant species and not only on the element mobility in soils. High element concentrations were found in the aboveground parts of Corrigiola telephiifolia (As and Pb), Jasione montana (Cd and Zn), and Digitalis thapsi (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn). However, considering the translocation and accumulation factors, together with the concentration levels found in roots and aboveground parts, only C. telephiifolia could be considered a Pb accumulator and an As hyperaccumulator plant, which could be used for future phytoremediation work in soils polluted with As.     

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.     

Influence of graded EDTA applications on mobilization and translocation of trace elements—a soil column experiment

Increasing concerns about potential environmental effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) accumulation in soils require better understanding of its behavior and its effect on trace element mobilization. In this study we investigated the effect of EDTA on soil trace element mobilization in undisturbed soil columns taken from a heavy metal contaminated field. The columns were leached by EDTA solutions of different concentrations under unsaturated, steady‐state conditions. The transport of trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn) and EDTA was monitored by regularly collecting the leachates. After the termination of the leaching experiment the soil columns were divided into 5 layers to determine trace elements and EDTA concentrations in the soil. The results revealed that the soil analysis alone was not suitable to infer mobilization or immobilization patterns in relation to the EDTA concentration, as the mobilized fraction was too small in relation to the total trace metal concentrations in the soil. Analysis of the leachates displayed that after 2–4 pore volumes the EDTA output concentration reached about 80% of the input concentration. The trace element concentrations in the leachates showed that some elements were mobilized by EDTA (Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Co, Ni, Zn) while others were immobilized (Mn, Cr, Mo, Sn) in the soil columns after EDTA application.     

Trace element distributions in soils developed in loess deposits from northern France

A pedo‐geochemical survey was carried out in the Nord‐Pas de Calais region (France) on soils developed in loess deposits. Total concentrations of Al, Fe and 18 trace elements, as well as common soil characteristics, were determined in samples from 52 surface and 97 deep horizons developed in these loess deposits. The Pb isotopic composition was determined in two sola. The composition of deep horizons, compared with that of the upper continental crust, with that of horizons developed from 21 other sedimentary rocks from the region and with that of loess from various parts of the world, confirms that loess from the Nord‐Pas de Calais region derives from multi‐recycled and well‐mixed ancient sedimentary rocks. Correlation analysis shows that least mobile (i.e. ionic potential (Z/r) is between 3 and 7) geogenic elements (Bi, Co, Cr, Cu, In, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl, V, Zn) are associated with the fraction <2 µm (which we define as ‘lutum’). More mobile elements (As, Cd, Hg, Mn, Mo, Sb, Se) are less associated with this fraction. Cadmium is particularly linked to Mn. The distribution of [trace element]/([Al] or [Fe]) in the French loess gives the background content for soils developed from most sedimentary materials in northwestern Europe. Topsoils are enriched with all the trace elements examined, except Co, Cr and Ni. Enrichments with Cd, Cu, Mn and Zn are greater in cultivated soils than in forest soils. Enrichments with Pb and with Cu, Hg, Mo, Sb, Se and Sn are mainly due to human contamination through atmospheric fallout. Organic matter seems to act as a sink for all the exogenous trace elements.     

新乡市大棚菜田土壤重金属积累特征及污染评价

采用微波消解-ICP-AES技术,测定不同种植年限大棚菜田土壤样品中As、Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr、Mn、Ni、Cu等重金属的含量,研究不同种植年限与大棚菜田土壤重金属累积的相关性以及大棚菜田土壤重金属累积特征,并利用地积累指数法进行污染评价。结果表明:大棚菜田土壤重金属Zn、Pb、Ni、Mn和Cu的含量与种植年限具有极显著相关性;大棚菜田土壤中重金属Cd和Cr的含量与种植年限不相关。重金属元素间相关性分析表明,Zn与Pb、Cd、Ni、Mn、Cr、Cu,Pb与Cd、Ni、Mn、Cr、Cu,Cd与Ni、Mn、Cr,Ni与Mn、Cr、Cu,Mn与Cr、Cu具有污染同源性,Cu与Cd、Cr不具有污染同源性。地积累指数法污染评价结果显示Cd的污染等级达到了6级,已构成了极严重污染;Zn和Cu的污染等级达到2级,已构成了中度污染;Pb、Mn的污染等级达到1级,已经构成了轻~中度污染;As、Ni、Cr均未构成污染。     

包头市铜厂周边土壤中重金属垂直分布特征与形态分析

为了解包头市铜厂周边地区土壤剖面中重金属污染状况,采用火焰原子吸收分光光度法和Tessier连续提取法,对土壤中6种重金属（Cu,Zn,Mn,Ni,Pb和Cd）的垂直分布特征、形态及潜在生物可利用性进行了分析。结果表明:研究区土壤剖面各层土壤中6种重金属含量均超过内蒙古土壤背景值,Cu,Pb和Cd为主要污染物。随采样深度的增加,Cu,Zn,Pb和Mn的含量呈现下降趋势,且由相关性系数可知重金属Cu,Zn和Pb可能有相同人为或自然污染源;土壤剖面中6种重金属均主要以残渣态存在,含量均在50%以上,对生物危害较小;潜在生物可利用性分析结果为:Cu（32.61%） > Mn（31.85%） > Ni（24.90%） > Zn（16.60%） > Cd（15.23%） > Pb（14.87%）,Cu和Mn的潜在生物可利用性较大,其次为Ni,Zn,Cd和Pb潜在生物可利用性较小。     

Spurenelemente in Bodensequenzen I. Zwei Braunerde-Podsol-Sequenzen aus Tonschieferschutt

Trace elements in pedosequences I. Two Braunerde-Podsol-sequences on slate Total amounts and fractions of Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Co and Ni extractable in boiling oxalate (replacing dithionite for analytical reasons), oxalate at room temperature and EDTA were determined in two pedosequences on slates ranging between Braunerde (Ochrept) and Podsol (Spodosol). The total amounts lay within the normal range of these elements in slates except a few samples much higher in Zn and Cd due to sulphides in the rock. In surface soil horizons rich in organic carbon the trace elements are accumulated in the order Cu < Zn < Cd < Pb. This accumulation increased with increasing degree of podsolization but is also partly due to atmospheric input. The relative accumulation of the various fractions in the surface soil increased in the order: boiling oxalate < room temperature oxalate < EDTA. Along the same order the depth function is determined to increasing extent by pedogenic processes rather than by lithogenic differences. In contrast to Fe, no minima in the podsol A₂ nor definite maxima in the B were noticed for Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd. With regard to the affinity towards organic matter Cd appears to behave more similarly to Pb than to Zn. Co and, even more so, Ni were lost during podsolization. The significance of the fractionation procedure which was very useful with Fe was not satisfying with the trace elements. Relationships between single element fractions and various soil components were generally poor except for that between the EDTA fraction and organic matter content. The total element balance is complicated by the heterogenity of the parent rock, but an increase in the mobile fractions in the solum during podsolization is generally indicated. There was a loss in the total amount of Fe, Cu, Zn, Co and Ni due to podsolization whereas a gain for Pb and Cd was noticed most probably through atmospheric intake.     

Pollution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Farmland Soils in Yanqi County,Xinjiang, Northwest China

A total of 50 farmland soil samples were collected from the Yanqi County, Xinjiang, China, and the concentrations of eight heavy metal elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined by standard methods. The spatial distribution, pollution level and ecological risk status of heavy metals were analyzed based on GIS technology, the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI). Results indicated that: (1) The average contents of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn of farmland soils exceeded the background values of irrigation soils in Xinjiang by 1.5, 1.40, 1.33, 2.63, and 4.92 times, respectively. Cd showed a no-pollution level, Zn showed a partially moderate pollution level, Pb showed a slight pollution level, and Cr, Cu, As, Mn, and Ni showed no-pollution level, compared to the classification standard. The PLI values of heavy metal elements of farmland soils varied from 0.83 to 1.89, with an average value of 1.29, at the moderate pollution level. (2) The Individual Potential Ecological Risk Index for heavy metals in the study area was ranked in the order of: As > Ni > Cu > Cd > Pb > Cr> Zn. The RI values of heavy metals of farmland soils varied from 3.45 to 11.34, with an average value of 6.13, at the low ecological risk level. (3) Cu and Mn of farmland soils were mainly originated from the soil parent material and topography of the study area. As, Cd, Ni and Pb were mainly originated from human activities, and Cr and Zn may originated from both natural and anthropogenic factors in the study area.     

Chemical Fractionation of Trace Elements in Biosolid‐Amended Soils and Correlation with Trace Elements in Crop Tissue

Abstract

A previous study indicated that agricultural biosolid applications increased the concentration of EPA₃₀₅₀‐digestible trace elements in soils on Pennsylvania production farms but could not indicate potential trace‐element environmental availability. This study was conducted to determine if biosolid application had altered the distribution of trace‐elements among operationally defined soil fractions and the relationship of trace element concentrations in soil and crop tissues. Biosolid‐amended and unamended soils from production farms in Pennsylvania were extracted using a modified Bureau Communautaire de Référence (BCR) sequential fractionation technique and analyzed for chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Trace‐element concentrations in crop tissues (soybean silage, sudangrass, corn grain, alfalfa hay, and orchardgrass hay) from the same farms were also determined. Fractionation results indicated that the proportion of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn that is potentially bioavailable is quite small in unamended soils. Biosolid applications significantly (P≤0.1) increased concentrations of Cu in all soil fractions (average increase over unamended soil=1.14, 8.27, 6.04, and 5.84 mg kg^?1 for the exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual fractions, respectively), Ni (0.41, 1.65 mg kg^?1 for the reducible and residual fractions, respectively), Pb (5.12 and 1.49 mg kg^?1 for the reducible and residual fractions, respectively), and Zn (8.28, 7.12, 4.44, and 8.98 mg kg^?1 for the exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual fractions, respectively) but did not significantly increase Cr in any soil fraction. Concentrations of Cu in all soil fractions were significantly (P≤0.01) correlated with concentrations of Cu in orchardgrass tissue (r=0.70, 0.66, 0.76, and 0.69 for the exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual soil fractions, respectively). Concentrations of exchangeable and reducible Zn were significantly correlated with Zn in sudangrass tissue (r=0.81 and 0.67), and reducible Zn was significantly correlated with Zn concentrations in orchardgrass tissue (r=0.65). Application of biosolids had little effect on bioavailability of Cr, Ni, or Pb, whereas higher loadings of Cu and Zn led to a shift toward the more labile soil fractions. Loadings of Cu and Zn were much smaller than cumulative loadings permitted under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Part 503 regulations. Chemical soil fractionation was able to detect increases in labile soil Cu and Zn that relate to increased phytoavailability.     

Leaching Behavior of Heavy Metals In Biosolids Amended Sandy Soils

Use of biosolids in agriculture to improve crop production and soil quality have created concerns due to content of heavy metals that may affect surface or ground water quality. A column leaching study was conducted to evaluate the leaching potential of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cdmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) from two typical agricultural sandy soils in South Florida (Spodosol and Alfisol) with increasing application of pelletized biosolids (called PB) at the rates of 0, 1.25, 5.0, 10.0 g kg^?1, respectively together with chemical fertilizer (CF). Elevated PB rate resulted in reduced leaching loss of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Co, Ni from Spodosol, but resulted in increased loss of Pb, Zn, Cd, and Co from Alfisol. Significant reduction in Cu loss occurred in both soils, which can be attributed to the strong binding of Cu with organic matter from the applied PB. Percentage of Cd loss as of total Cd was 13% – 41%, the highest in all the heavy metals, whereas loss of Pb as of total Pb was less than 6.6%, though the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Co, and Ni in leachate were mostly above the limits of U.S. EPA drinking water standards or the national secondary drinking water standards. These results indicate that soil properties, PB application rates, and chemical behavior of elements jointly influence the leachate total loads of heavy metals in sandy soils applied with biosolids. Application of CF together with BP at a rate higher than 10.0 g kg^?1 for sandy soils may pose potential threats to water quality due to enhanced leachate loads of Cr and Ni in Spodosol and Pb, Zn, Cd, Co and Ni in Alfisol.     

Metal Status of Soils and Plants Irrigated with Water from Lake İznik,Turkey

Lake ?znik, located in the southeast part of the Marmara region in Turkey, is considered the largest lake in the region. Soil pollution from irrigation with lake water has become an important concern for arable lands surrounding the lake. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate trace element contamination of soils and plants irrigated with water from the lake, which has been polluted with industrial and municipal wastes. Eleven different crops grown in 30 different horticultural fields, consistently irrigated with lake water, were studied. To determine pollutant concentrations, soils, plants, and water were sampled and analyzed for both total and extractable iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd). Iron, Cu, and Ni in destructively sampled soils were found to be excessive in soils. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using simple correlations and t‐test. There were no statistically significant relationships among the total and extractable metals in soils and extractable plant metals. Because of lack of standard concentrations indicating excessive concentration of extractable elements, statuses of extractable elements in the soils were not evaluated. Cobalt, Pb, Cr, and Cu concentrations were greater than the normal range in leaves. The accumulation of metals differed greatly among the various plant species, but irrigation with lake water did not increase metals in soils. The appearance of metals in soils might be due to agricultural activities and parent material. Continuous monitoring and future studies of the area are recommended to ascertain long‐term impacts of pollution on plants.     

Trace elements in Bangladesh paddy soils

Abstract

A study was carried out to investigate the status of four micronutrients, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), and five other trace elements, cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and strontium (Sr), in paddy soils of Bangladesh. Soil samples were digested by hydrofluoric acid (HF)‐nitric acid (HNO₃)‐perchloric acid (HClO₄) for determination of total contents of the nine elements, while DTPA, ASI and 0.1 Mhydrochloric acid (HC1) methods were used for determination of available Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn. Total trace element contents were found to vary with physiography on which soils are distributed. In general, Ganges Tidal Floodplain soils had the highest content, whereas terrace soils had the lower content. Among the soil properties examined, clay content had a good relation with total trace element contents in the topsoil, except for Sr. Based on the variation with physiography or clay content, the nine trace elements could be grouped into six groups: Cu, Fe and Zn, Pb, Co and Cr and Ni, Mn, Sr. According to the extractable levels of four micronutrients, Bangladesh paddy soils had the medium to optimum amounts of Fe and Cu, but were deficient sporadically in Mn and extensively in Zn. It was indicated that paddy soils of Bangladesh are yet to be polluted with heavy metals.     

Estimating total Pb,Cd, and Zn in contaminated soils from NH4HCO3‐DTPA‐extractable levels

Abstract

Twenty‐six garden soils from Aspen, Colorado, contaminated with old silver mine dumps, were extracted with diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and NH₄HCO₃‐DTPA (AB‐DTPA). Total soil digests (HNO₃‐HClO₄‐HF) were carried out on 21 highly contaminated soils. All soil extracts and digests were analyzed for Pb, Cd, and Zn using inductively‐coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICPS). Linear regression equations for DTPA versus AB‐DTPA values gave 0.96, 0.99 and 0.99 “r”; values for Pb, Cd, and Zn, respectively. Linear regression equations for total Pb, Cd, and Zn levels versus their respective AB‐DTPA extractable levels were developed with “r”; values of 0.92, 0.93, and 0.89, respectively. It was concluded that AB‐DTPA test can be used to screen soils contaminated with the above‐mentioned elements.     

污泥农用对痕量元素在小麦-玉米轮作体系中的积累及转运的影响

利用田间试验初步研究了污泥农用对小麦、玉米大田作物及土壤环境影响以及污泥中痕量元素在土壤与植物可食部分之间转移规律。结果表明,施用污泥后,尤其是36t·hm^-2施用量时,土壤中Zn、Cu、Cd、Pb、As和№的含量均显著增加,但是施用污泥4．5至36t·hm^-2后,除小麦籽粒中Zn、Cu含量和玉米籽粒中Zn、Cr含量显著增加外,其他痕量元素在小麦和玉米籽粒中的含量没有显著增加。作物籽粒中Zn含量与土壤中污泥施加量之间存在着显著的线性回归关系,土壤中增施1t·hm^-2之污泥,小麦和玉米籽粒中Zn的含量分别增加0．570和0．118mg·kg^-1。小麦和玉米籽粒除M和Pb的富集系数相近外,对其他痕量元素而言,小麦籽粒的富集系数显著高于玉米籽粒。从痕量元素的累积速率和现行土壤环境质量标准考虑,北京污泥中Hg是优先考虑控制的元素,但是污泥中№对食品安全的影响还需要进行长期的大田实验研究。     

Heavy metal distribution in different soil aggregate size classes from restored brackish marsh,oil exploitation zone,and tidal mud flat of the Yellow River Delta

Purpose

Heavy metal distribution in soils is affected by soil aggregate fractionation. This study aimed to demons trate the aggregate-associated heavy metal concentrations and fractionations in “sandy,” “normal,” and “mud” soils from the restored brackish tidal marsh, oil exploitation zone, and tidal mudflat of the Yellow River Delta (YRD), China.

Materials and methods

Soil samples were sieved into the aggregates of >2, 0.25–2, 0.053–0.25, and <0.053 mm to determine the concentrations of exchangeable (F1), carbonate-bound (F2), reducible (F3), organic-bound (F4), and residual fraction (F5) of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn.

Results and discussion

The 0.25–2 mm aggregates presented the highest concentrations but the lowest mass loadings (4.23–12.18 %) for most metal fractions due to low percentages of 0.25–2 mm aggregates (1.85–3.12 %) in soils. Aggregates <0.053 mm took majority mass loadings of metals in sandy and normal soils (62.04–86.95 %). Most soil aggregates had residual Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and reducible Cd, Pb dominated in the total Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations. Sandy soil contained relatively high F4, especially of Cu (F4) in 0.25–2 mm aggregates (10.22 mg kg^?1), which may relate to significantly high organic carbon contents (23.92 g kg^?1, P?<?0.05). Normal soil had the highest total concentrations of metals, especially of Cu, Ni, and Pb, which was attributed to the high F3 and F5 in the <0.053 mm aggregates. Although mud soil showed low total concentrations of heavy metals, the relatively high concentrations of bioavailable Cd and Cu resulted from the relatively high Cd (F2) and Cu (F2) in the >2 mm aggregates indicated contribution of carbonates to soil aggregation and metal adsorption in tidal mud flat.

Conclusions

Soil type and aggregate distribution were important factors controlling heavy metal concentration and fractionation in YRD wetland soil. Compared with mud soil, normal soil contained increased concentrations of F5 and F3 of metals in the 0.053–0.25 mm aggregate, and sandy soil contained increased concentrations of bioavailable and total Cr, Ni, and Zn with great contribution of mass loadings in the <0.053 mm aggregate. The results of this study suggested that oil exploitation and wetland restoration activities may influence the retention characteristics of heavy metals in tidal soils through variation of soil type and aggregate fractions.