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Trace Metal Profiles in the Forest Floor of New England
Author(s) -
Friedland A. J.,
Johnson A. H.,
Siccama T. G.,
Mader D. L.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1984.03615995004800020042x
Subject(s) - forest floor , trace metal , organic matter , taiga , environmental science , pine forest , environmental chemistry , cadmium , forestry , metal , ecology , chemistry , soil science , geography , soil water , biology , organic chemistry
Previous studies in New England have revealed high levels of trace metals in the forest floor of remote regions and evidence of increases in trace metal concentrations and amounts over time. In this study, forest floor profiles collected from a boreal forest in Vermont, a northern hardwood forest in New Hampshire and white pine ( Pinus strobus L.) stands in Massachusetts were analyzed for Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, and organic matter. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and percent organic matter showed similar trends with depth in all three forests. Cadmium occurrence differed according to site. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni were greatest 2 to 4 cm below the surface of the forest floor in all three forests. As expected, percent organic matter decreased with depth in the profile. Concentration and accumulation of trace metals appear to occur in the Oe horizon.