Premium
Trace Element Contamination of Soils in the Indiana Dunes
Author(s) -
Esser K. B.,
Helmke P. A.,
Bockheim J. G.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1991.00472425002000020025x
Subject(s) - environmental chemistry , soil water , trace element , contamination , horizon , deposition (geology) , organic matter , environmental science , soil contamination , humus , bioaccumulation , chemistry , pollution , soil horizon , mineralogy , soil science , geology , sediment , ecology , geomorphology , physics , organic chemistry , astronomy , biology
Potential soil contamination by aerosol fallout and rainout and subsequent surface accumulation of trace elements in four soils in the Indiana Dunes have been evaluated based on chemical analyses using XRF and NAA and data from the literature. Among the studied elements, Se, Sb, Zn, and As show highest concentrations in aerosols relative to the soils. The surface accumulation of trace elements in the soil is a function of the proximity to the pollution sources, vegetation, and the organic matter content of the surface horizon. In the studied soils, presence of humus is essential for the retention of trace elements added by aerosols. Enrichment in the Ah horizon compared to the B horizon is, in decreasing order, evident for Mn, Sb, Zn, As, Cs, Se, Cr, Fe, and Co. Contaminant Mn, Sb, As, Se, and possibly Zn have migrated into the E horizon. Bioaccumulation of trace elements has been insignificant in view of apparent input of the elements by deposition, possibly with the exception of Se.