Metals and grain size distributions in soil of the middle Rio Grande basin, Texas USA

 This paper deals with the problem of increased heavy metal constituents in agricultural soils due to the expanded use of fertilizers and elevated atmospheric deposition. It discusses the extent of contamination in soil and establishes an environmental monitoring program in the chosen area of concern in the southern coastal region of Texas. Grain size, pH, and metals (Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, Ni, Ba, As, Cr, Mn, and Fe) were determined in soils of the middle Rio Grande basin. The soils were mainly of sand texture and alkaline in character. Fine sand constituted the major proportion of the soil, and clay and silt ranged from 8–30% of the soil. Correlations of metal concentrations to grain size and iron contents were performed. Metals, except Cd and Pb, gave positive to negative relationships with decreases in grain size. Silt gave no relationship with metal content while clay and silt had a positive relationship. All these metals had a positive correlation with iron in the soil. The results indicate metals are associated with coarse sand, clay, and iron hydroxides surfaces of the soil. The comparison of metal content in soil of the middle Rio Grande basin with metals from other areas of the world suggests that it is relatively uncontaminated. Received: 14 December 1998 · Accepted: 19 Jaunuary 1999     

Heavy metal distribution in soil and plant in municipal solid waste compost amended plots

A field study was carried out to evaluate long-term heavy metal accumulation in the top 20 cm of a Tunisian clayey loam soil amended for four consecutive years with municipal solid waste compost at three levels (0, 40 and 80 t/ha/y). Heavy metals uptake and translocation within wheat plants grown on these soils were also investigated. Compared to untreated soils, compost-amended soils showed significant increases in the content of all measured metals: cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc in the last three years, especially for plots amended with municipal solid waste compost at 80 t/ha/y. Wheat plants grown on compost-amended soils showed a general increase in metal uptake and translocation, especially for chromium and nickel. This heavy metal uptake was about three folds greater in plots amended at 80 t/ha/y as compared to plots amended at 40 t/ha/y. At the end of the experimental period, the diluting effect resulting from enhanced growth rates of wheat plants due to successive compost applications resulted in lower concentrations in the plants (grain part) grown on treated plots. On the other hand, chromium and nickel were less mobile in the aerial part of wheat plants and were accumulated essentially in root tissues. Plant/soil transfer coefficients for compost-amended treatments were higher than threshold range reported in the literature, indicating that there was an important load/transfer of metal ions from soils to wheat plants.     

Heavy metals deposited from the atmosphere on upland Scottish soils: Chemical and lead isotope studies of the association of metals with soil components

Three soil profiles taken from the Hartwood Research Station in Central Scotland have been analyzed using chemical digestion and extraction techniques to investigate the chemical association of heavy metals deposited from the atmosphere. Total digestion, EDTA extraction and the BCR (Bureau Communitaire de Reference) sequential extraction procedure were used. In addition, lead isotope ratios in the whole soils and in the fractions from the sequential extraction procedure were measured using thermal ionisation mass spectrometry. All the digestion and extraction procedures gave clear indication of enhanced concentrations of heavy metals in surface soils, in particular for lead and zinc. Whereas total digestion gave a good indication of the heavy metal status of the soils, the extraction procedures were necessary to provide information on chemical association of the metals with soil components, information needed to understand the soil processes involved in mobilization of metals. Lead isotope analysis of the whole soils revealed a consistent picture of lower ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios in surface soils (1.140-1.147) than in soils at 20-30 cm depth (1.182-1.190). The steady progression from the lower to higher ratios down the profile was clear indication that anthropogenic lead had penetrated to some degree into the deeper soils. The combination of sequential extraction and lead isotope analysis proved to be a powerful approach to studying this effect in more detail and showed that the fractions extractable from 20 to 30 cm soils contained lead with much lower ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios (1.174-1.178) than the residual fraction (1.196-1.200). As the extractable fractions contained ≥85% of the lead in the soil, a substantial portion of lead at 20-30 cm depth was of anthropogenic origin. The ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios of 1.174-1.178 found in the extractable fractions suggested that the mobile component of the anthropogenic lead was that deposited before the introduction of leaded petrol.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around Manali industrial area, Chennai, Southern India

The concentrations of heavy metals (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mo, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) were studied in soils to understand metal contamination due to industrialization and urbanization around Manali industrial area in Chennai, Southern India. This area is affected by the industrial activity and saturated by industries like petrochemicals, refineries, and fertilizers generating hazardous wastes. The contamination of the soils was assessed on the basis of geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor and degree of contamination. Soil samples were collected from the industrial area of Manali from the top 10-cm-layer of the soil. Soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals by using Philips MagiX PRO-2440 Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The data revealed elevated concentrations of Chromium (149.8–418.0 mg/kg), Copper (22.4–372.0 mg/kg), Nickel (11.8–78.8 mg/kg), Zinc (63.5–213.6 mg/kg) and Molybdenum (2.3–15.3 mg/kg). The concentrations of other elements were similar to the levels in the earth’s crust or pointed to metal depletion in the soil (EF < 1). The high-EFs for some heavy metals obtained in the soil samples show that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be correlated with the industries in the area. Contamination sites pose significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may result in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems. In this perspective there is need for a safe dumping of waste disposal in order to minimize environmental pollution.     

Distribution of heavy metals in urban soils – a case study of Danang-Hoian Area (Vietnam)

 This work is part of a research study which is intended to study the degree of anthropogenic influences of the trace metal distribution of soils from Danang-Hoian area (Vietnam). Cu, Ni, Zn and Zr show significant effects in most of the cultivated soil categories, especially in the industrial soils. Extremely high levels of Pb (up to 742 μg/g) are observed in the industrial soil category, which shows an enrichment factor 114 as compared to rural soils. Cd shows only a relative local enrichment with the maximum level of 4.6 μg/g in urban soils. Sequential extraction was performed in selected samples to evaluate the geochemical trace metals. The result indicates that Zn and Cr are mainly found in the crystal and amorphous Fe oxide bounded forms. The contents of Cr in these fractions comprise more than 94% of total extractable Cr. In the case of Zn, 85% of total extractable Zn is in fractions F_V and F_VI. Cu is mainly found in the organic fraction at an average of 39.3% of total extractable content. On the other hand, heavy metal contents show an increasing tendency in the fine fraction (silt and clay). Received: 4 February 1998 · Accepted: 26 November 1998     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around Balanagar industrial area,Hyderabad, India

The concentration of heavy metals such as Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn, Zr were studied in soils of Balanagar industrial area, Hyderabad to understand heavy metal contamination due to industrialization and urbanization. This area is affected by the industrial activities like steel, petrochemicals, automobiles, refineries, and battery manufacturing generating hazardous wastes. The assessment of the contamination of the soils was based on the geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor, and degree of contamination. Soil samples were collected from Balanagar industrial area from top 10–50 cm layer of soil. The samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for heavy metals. The data revealed that the soils in the study area are significantly contaminated, showing high level of toxic elements than normal distribution. The ranges of concentration of Cr (82.2–2,264 mg/kg), Cu (31.3–1,040 mg/kg), Ni (34.3–289.4 mg/kg), Pb (57.5–1,274 mg/kg), Zn (67.5–5819.5 mg/kg), Co (8.6–54.8 mg/kg), and V (66.6–297 mg/kg). The concentration of above-mentioned other elements was similar to the levels in the earth’s crust pointed to metal depletion in the soil as the EF was <1. Some heavy metals showed high EF in the soil samples indicating that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be correlated with the industries in the area. A contamination site poses significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may results in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems.     

Distribution and sorption of potentially toxic metals in four forest soils from Hungary

Metals of natural and anthropogenic origin behave differently in soils mostly due to their different mobility. In this study, sequential extractions and batch sorption experiments were performed to relate the fractionation of native Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb to the sorption properties of added metals in four soils with contrasting physiochemical characteristics. A significant effect due to sample composition on both the mobility and sorption characteristics of these metals was found. The efficiency of soil components in metal immobilization was in the order of carbonate > organic matter > swelling clay minerals. The partitioning of native metals together with the information gained through the sorption isotherms allows a deeper insight on the fate and behavior of metals in soils with various compositions.     

Heavy metal concentrations in soils and plants in the vicinity of Arufu lead-zinc mine,Middle Benue Trough,Nigeria

This study focused on the influence of base metal mining on heavy metal levels in soils and plants in the vicinity of Arufu lead-zinc mine, Nigeria. Soil samples (0-15 cm depth) and plant samples were collected from cul-tivated farmlands in and around the mine, the unmineralized site and a nearby forest (the control site). The samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr and Cd) by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The physical properties of soils (pH and LOI) were also measured. Results showed that soils from cultivated farm-lands have neutral pH values (6.5-7.5), and low organic matter contents (10%). Levels of Zn, Pb and Cd in culti-vated soils were higher than the concentrations obtained from the control site. These heavy metals are most probably sourced from mining and agricultural activities in the study area. Heavy metal concentrations measured in plant parts decreased in the order of rice leavescassava tuberspeelings. In the same plant species, metal levels decreased in the order of ZnFeMnCuPbCrCd. Most heavy metals were found in plant parts at average concentrations normally observed in plants grown in uncontaminated soil, however, elevated concentrations of Pb and Cd were found in a few cassava samples close to the mine dump. A stepwise linear regression analysis identified soil metal contents, pH and LOI as some of the factors influencing soil-plant metal uptake.     

Enrichment of heavy metals in paddy crops irrigated by paper mill effluents near Nanjangud, Mysore District, Karnatake, India

 Extensive irrigation by the effluents released from a paper mill near Nanjangud have led to the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil and different parts of the paddy crops. In this paper, the physicochemical characteristics of paper mill effluents and the accumulation of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Co, Cd, Cr, and Ni) in the soil and different parts (root, leaf, and seed) of the paddy crops growing in the irrigated area are described and compared with the soil and paddy crops irrigated by natural waters (unpolluted). Chemical and biological oxygen demands of wastewater were found to be 437 and 1070 ppm respectively, which are beyond the tolerance limits set by Indian standards. The total dissolved and suspended solids are 1754 and 900 ppm respectively. The concentration of heavy metals (except Zn) in the seeds is remarkably less than that in the roots and leaves of the paddy crops. The heavy metal uptake by plants shows the greatest accumulation of Cu, Cr, Co, and Pb in the roots; Cd and Ni in the leaves; and Zn in the seeds of rice. The heavy metal content of the soil and their total uptake by paddy roots has the relation: Pb>Zn>Cu>Cd and Pb>Cu>Zn>Cd. Survival of paddy crops irrigated by polluted waters indicates tolerance to toxic heavy metals. In conclusion, since in many tropical countries the common diet of people is rice, the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in rice may lead to health disorders. Received: 18 July 1995 / Accepted: 24 February 1997     

Magnetic properties of urban soil profile and their significance for traffic pollution-Case study of the capital airport expressway in Beijing

An expressway-side soil profile 22 cm long was sampled from the grassland of the expressway linking Beijing and the Capital International Airport. Magnetic measurements, geochemical and multivariate statistic analyses were performed on the soil samples. The results reveal that the soil profile can be divided into two parts with significant difference in magnetic proxies and heavy metal concentration. The uppermost soil horizon (0–8 cm) represents the pollution-rich layer with higher concentration of ferrimagnetic phases and metallic elements. The values of xare very high with an average of 141.60 × 10⁻⁸ m³·kg⁻¹ in the layer. We explain that the anthropogenic dust input from traffic is the predominant cause for strong signals of magnetic phases and heavy metals. Below the profile depth of 8 cm, there is minor pollution in the soil with lower concentration of magnetic minerals and heavy metals compared to the natural background values. χ remains quite stable and relatively low with an average of 49.44 × 10⁻⁸ m³·kg⁻¹. S-ratio also generally decreases with depth, and it changes from 0.93 in the 0–8 cm layer to 0.87 below the depth of 8 cm. It indicates that the soil samples are overwhelmingly predominated by ferrimagnetic minerals in the upper part soil, while the contribution of imperfect antiferromagnetic components is stronger in the lower part. Rock magnetic experiments show MD magnetite as the main magnetic carrier both in the upper and lower parts. Themagnetic grain size in the upper part is, however, a bit coarser than that in the lower part. Cluster analysis shows a positive correlation between magnetic properties (χ, ARM, SIRM) and heavy metal pollutants of Pb, Zn, Cu. Fuzzy C-means cluster analysis can clearly help divide the soil profile into two different layers and distinguish their characteristics. It can be concluded that these magnetic concentration-related parameters can be used as proxies for pollution investigation in a fast, sensitive, low-cost and highly efficient approach to screening heavy metal pollution. __________ Translated from Quaternary Sciences, 2007, 27(6): 1113-1120 [译自:第四纪研究]     

Relationships between heavy metals and iron oxides,fulvic acids,particle size fractions in urban roadside soils

Urban roadside soils are the “recipients” of large amounts of heavy metals from a variety of sources including vehicle emissions, coal burning waste and other activities. The behavior of heavy metals in urban roadside soils depends on the occurrence as well as the total amount. Accordingly, knowledge of the interactions between heavy metals and other constituents in the soil is required to judge their environmental impact. In this study, correlations of heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Zn, Cu, Ag, Se, Ni, Cr and Ba) to iron extracted using dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate (DCB) buffer (Fe_DCB), fulvic acids and particle size fractions were examined from the Xuzhou urban roadside soils. Heavy metals except for Cr and fulvic acids had a positive significant correlation with Fe_DCB, indicating these metals and fulvic acids are principally associated with the surfaces of iron oxides of the soils. Significant positive correlations were also found between the contents of fulvic acids and heavy metals, showing these heavy metals (especially for Cu, Ni and Cr) form stable complexes with fulvic acids. Such finding is of importance with regard to the increased mobilization of heavy metals, e.g., into freshwater ecosystems. Ag, Se and Cr are independent of particle size fractions because of their low concentrations of Ag and Se in the studied soils. Pb, Zn, Cu, Ba and Ag are mainly enriched in the finer soil particles (especially <16 μm).     

Heavy metal distribution between parent soil and pepper in an unpolluted area,Hainan Island,China

Consuming edible plants contaminated by heavy metals transferred from soil is an important pathway for human exposure to environmental contaminants. In the past several decades, heavy metal accumulation in contaminated soil has been widely studied; however, few researches investigated the background levels of metals in plants and evaluated the difference in plants grown in soils produced from different parent rocks. In this study, a systemic survey of heavy metal distribution and accumulation in the soil–pepper system was investigated in an unpolluted area, Hainan Island, China. Levels of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd were measured in soils and pepper fruits from five representative pepper-growing areas with different soil parent rocks (i.e. basalt, granite, sedimentary rock, metamorphic rock and alluvial deposits). Average concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd in pepper fruits were 11.52, 0.84, 8.77 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals in soils are controlled by the parent materials and varied greatly from in different areas. Heavy metal contents in all pepper samples were lower than the Chinese maximum contaminant levels. The relationship between heavy metals in soils and biological absorption coefficient (BAC) of pepper fruits suggests that the uptake ability of pepper for soil metals depends mainly on the physiological mechanism, while in some cases, the soil types and supergene environment are also important.     

Geochemical exploration for platinum-group elements in the Bushveld Complex, South Africa

Analyses of stream sediment and soil samples from the Bushveld Complex, South Africa have revealed enhanced precious metal concentrations, which can be related both to mining activities and the presence of hidden concentrations of platinum-group elements (PGEs) and gold. The economically important PGE deposits hosted by the Upper Critical Zone of the Rustenburg Layered Suite are revealed by a high PGE and Au content in the overlying soils. A second zone of elevated precious metal concentrations straddles the boundary between the Main and Upper Zones and has to date been traced for more than 100 km. This zone follows the igneous layering of the Rustenburg Layered Suite and is offset by the Brits Graben. It is therefore thought to be the reflection of a magmatic PGE-Au mineralisation. Received: 31 May 1996 / Accepted: 7 January 1997     

A study of the water and energy transfer at the soil surface in cropped field on the Loess Plateau of northwestern China

In this study, we tried to model the processes of moisture and heat transfers in the soil–vegetation–atmosphere system in an integrated comprehensive way. The purpose of the study is to simulate profiles of soil water content and temperature at root active zone (i.e., 0–50 cm), taking the root water uptake, soil evaporation, and canopy transpiration into account. The water and heat transfer equations are solved by an iterative Newton–Raphson technique and a finite difference method is used to solve the governing equations. Soil water content and soil temperature dynamics could be simulated rather accurately in a cropped field on Loess Plateau area. The water and heat transfer flux predicted by the classical theory of Philip and de Vries (Tans Am Geophys Union 38:222–232, 1957) slightly overestimated near the surface and underestimated at the deeper depths, as a result of the overestimated soil evaporation at the top soil layer (0–10 cm) and underestimated crop canopy transpiration at the deeper depths (10–50 cm). Water content tended to be underestimated for the entire profile at the soil surface (from 0 to 50 cm). Soil temperatures during the simulated period was slightly overestimated in the nighttimes and underestimated in the daytimes, as a result of the underestimated soil water content at the top soil layer (0–10 cm) and overestimated at the deeper depths (10–50 cm). Soil temperatures tended to be underestimated for the entire profile at the soil surface (from 0 to 50 cm). While the sum of the water and heat regimes yielded a much better match with the soil water content and soil temperature obtained from the field observations. The results obtained show that the model coupled water and heat transfer is able to capture the dynamics of soil water content.     

Heavy metal distribution and environmental status of Doon Valley soils, Outer Himalaya, India

 Doon Valley is surrounded by two major river systems (Ganga and Yamuna) on either side, with a water divide passing nearly across the centre of the valley, and is sandwiched between two mountain ranges in the fragile ecological systems of the Himalayan foothills. In total 398 soil samples were collected from the valley in a grid pattern (∼1 sample per 2 km²) and investigated for their heavy metal (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) abundances that are environmentally sensitive. Comparison of the heavy metal abundances with the contamination threshold values (CTV) revealed that most of these elemental abundances in Doon Valley soils fall well within the range of the uncontaminated to slightly contaminated category. In the case of Cr and Ni, a sizeable number of samples exceeded the CTV (250 and 100 mg kg^–1 respectively) with an overall background value of 109 and 52 mg kg^–1 respectively. Sites of high Cr and Ni mostly occur in the Ganga Catchment (GC) sector that includes even relatively undisturbed forestland. The source of this contamination is attributed to geological factors which indicate contribution from the mafic volcanics of the Lesser Himalaya. This is also consistent with the distribution pattern of Mn and Fe, though their abundance levels are not alarming. The background concentration of Pb is low (22 mg kg^–1) in Doon Valley soils; however, signs of gradual Pb contamination are palpable in and around the centre of the Dehra Dun city and along the highways. Aluminium normalized heavy metal ratios were found to exhibit narrow variability in the case of Cu, Ni and Cr and had good correlation with Al, indicating their affinity and association with the clay minerals. On the other hand, Pb and Zn seem to be associated with non-silicate sources. Received: 7 January 2000 · Accepted: 30 July 2000     

Sources, input pathways, and distributions of Fe, Cu, and Zn in a Chesapeake Bay tidal freshwater marsh

Tidal freshwater marshes exist at the interface between watersheds and estuaries, and thus may serve as critical buffers protecting estuaries from anthropogenic metal pollution. Bi-weekly samples of newly deposited marsh sediments were collected and analyzed for Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations over 21 months from July 1995 to March 1997 in five distinct habitats at the head of Bush River, Maryland. Bi-weekly anthropogenic metal enrichments ranged from 0.9–4.7. Anthropogenic excess metal loadings averaged over 1996 ranged from 6–306 and 25–1302 μg cm⁻² year⁻¹ between sites for Cu and Zn, respectively. Based on Fe-normalized trace metal signatures, Susquehanna River sediment does not significantly contribute to upper Bush River. Organic matter was found to dilute total metal concentrations, whereas past studies suggested organics enhance labile metal content. Analysis of metal input pathways shows that marsh metals are primarily imported from nearby subtidal accumulations of historic watershed material by tidal flushing. Received: 29 April 1999 / Accepted: 7 December 1999     

Controls on As, Pb, and Mn distribution in community soils of an historical mining district, southwestern Colorado

 Rico, Colorado is a small mountain community that was developed before the turn of the century around and near underground lead-zinc-silver mines. Today, US regulatory concerns in such communities focus on the metal content, particularly of lead, in community soils. This study integrates bedrock geology, surficial geology, mineralogy and geochemistry in order to define the controls on metal distribution in Rico community soils. The principal constituents of concern are As, Pb, and Mn. The results show that mining-related sources are discrete and localized whereas natural sources, including bedrock (mean Pb content of 3 500 ppm), colluvium (mean Pb content of 1 410 ppm), and older alluvium (mean Pb content of 744 ppm) are wider spread and are the principal sources of metals in Rico community soils. Historical mining sites like Rico should be expected to have significant surficial expressions of mineralized bedrock. In these communities, it is important to accurately define the role of all metal sources as a foundation for determining environmental liabilities, cleanup guidelines, and health risk assessments. The application of geology and mineralogy in support of geochemical characterization is necessary to accurately define the origin and distribution of both anthropogenic and natural metal sources at such sites. Received: 27 December 1996 · Accepted: 21 February 1997     

A study on soil physico-chemical, microbial and metal content in Sukinda chromite mine of Odisha, India

Soil samples from chromite mining site and its adjacent overburden dumps and fallow land of Sukinda, Odisha, were analysed for their physico-chemical, microbial and metal contents. Chromite mine soils were heterogenous mixture of clay, mud, minerals and rocks. The pH of the soils ranges between 5.87 and 7.36. The nutrient contents of the mine soils (N, P, K and organic C) were found to be extremely low. Analysis of chromite mine soils revealed accumulation of a number of metals in high concentrations (Fe > Cr > Mn > Ni > Zn > Pb > Sr) which exceeded ecotoxicological limits in soil. Correlation and cluster analysis of metals revealed a strong relation between Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn among the different attributes studied. Assessment of different microbial groups such as fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria (heterotrophic, spore forming, free-living nitrogen fixing, phosphate solubilising and cellulose degrading) from mine soils were found to be either extremely low or absent in some soil samples. Further chromium tolerant bacteria (CTB) were isolated using 100 mg/L Cr(VI) enriched nutrient agar medium and were screened for their tolerance towards increasing concentrations of hexavalent chromium and other toxic metals. Out of 23 CTB isolates, three bacteria tolerated up to 900 mg/L, 6 up to 500 mg/L, 20 up to 200 mg/L of Cr(VI). These bacteria were also found to be sensitive towards Cu > Co > Cd and very few CTB strains could show multiple metal tolerance. These strains have great scope for their application in bioremediation of toxic chromium ions in presence of other metals ions, which needs to be explored for their biotechnological applications.     

Evaluation of scraping treatments to restore initial infiltration capacity of three artificial recharge projects in central Iran

 A limiting factor in developing artificial recharge of groundwater is clogging of the soil surface and consequent reduction of infiltration rates. In order to evaluate the degree of improving infiltration rates by scraping away various amounts of the upper soil materials, a study was conducted at three artificial recharge sites (Kohrouyeh, Bagh-Sorkh, and Kachak) in Isfahan Province, central Iran. Five treatments (T1–T5) were considered. Infiltration was measured: T1, on deposited sediment layer; T2, after removing the sediments; T3, scraping of sediments and 5 cm of soil; T4, scraping of sediments and 10 cm of soil; and T5, removing sediments and 15 cm of soil. Initial soil-moisture content of the sites ranged from 1.0–2.87% for Kohrouyeh, 1.18–3.47% for Bagh-Sorkh, and 1.89–3.93% for Kachak. The main texture of the soils was sandy loam. Clay particles have penetrated to a depth of more than 40 cm in some of the recharge basins. A significant increase in final infiltration rate of T5 as compared to T1 treatment was observed for all recharge sites. The final infiltration rates of T1 and T5 treatments for Kohrouyeh, Bagh-Sorkh, and Kachak sites were 0.35, 7.9; 1.22, 12.3; and 0.93, 6.2 cm/h, respectively. The differences between infiltration rates of T2, T3, and T4 treatments were not statistically significant. It is concluded that on average, the infiltration capacity of the untreated recharge facilities have reached 20.3% of the original values, and that scraping the top sediment layer and 15 cm of topsoil could restore 68.3% of the initial infiltration capacity. Received, July 1998 / Revised, April 1999, May 1999 / Accepted, June 1999     

Environment impact of heavy metals on urban soil in the vicinity of industrial area of Baoji city,P.R. China

Heavy metals in soils are of great environmental concern, in order to evaluate heavy metal contents and their relationships in the surface soil of industrial area of Baoji city, and also to investigate their influence on the soils. Soil samples were collected from 50 sites, and the concentration of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni heavy metals and the contents of characteristics in soil from industrial area of Baoji city were determined with X-ray fluorescence method. The concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni in the investigated soils reached the amount of 2,682.00–76,979.42, 169.30–8,288.58, 62.24–242.36, 91.96–110.54 and 36.14–179.28 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The major element Pb contents of the topsoils were determined. to highlight the influence of ‘anthropic’ features on the heavy metal concentrations and their distributions. To compare, all values of elements were much higher than those of unpolluted soils in the middle of Shaanxi province that average 16.0–26.5, 67.1–120.0, 17.8–57.0, 46.9–65.6 and 24.7–34.6 mg kg⁻¹ for Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni, respectively. An ensemble of basic and relativity analysis was performed to reduce the precipitate of Pb in soil was extremely high and greatly relativity with other elements. Meanwhile, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni heavy metals were typical elements of anthropic activities sources, so it was easy to infer to the tracers of anthropic pollutions from the factorial analysis, which was coming from the storage battery manufactory pollutions. The pollutant distributions were constructed for the urban area which identified storage battery manufactory soot precipitate as the main source of diffuse pollution and also showed the contribution of the topsoils of industrial area of Baoji city as the source point of pollution. Consequently, the impact of heavy metals on soil was proposed and discussed. These results highlight the need for instituting a systematic and continuous monitoring of heavy metals and other forms of pollutants in Baoji city to ensure that pollution does not become a serious problem in the future.