Archives of Environmental Protection

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of changes in the metal concentrations in the soils contaminated with Cd, Pb, and Zn during a 5 year period. Additionally the purpose included assessment of the suitability of 1 M HCl to control soil contamination with heavy metals compared to using of aqua regia method. The study was conducted in concrete-framed microplots, fi lled with two soils (sandy and silty), which were artifi cially co-contaminated with Cd, Pb and Zn. There was a gradual decrease in these concentrations during the 5 year period. The concentrations of the metals extracted with 1 M HCl were very similar to the total concentrations. After 5 years of research, the topsoil had the smallest decrease in Pb concentration, which for the sandy, and silty soils was, respectively, by 7% and 9% in relation to the initial value. The concentrations of Cd and Zn decreased by up to about 35% in the sandy soil and by about 20% in the silty soil. Sandy soil contamination with metals poses a potentially higher threat to humans and the environment than silty soil contamination. Therefore, the examination of the sandy soils contamination, as well as of the groundwater occurring in these areas, should be carried out at least once for 5 years. It has been shown that the analytical method using aqua regia can be replaced by 1 M HCl method to track changes of metals concentration in the soil, that occur over time period.