Distribution of Metals and Arsenic in Soils of Central Victoria (Creswick-Ballarat), Australia

Abstract

A soil-sampling campaign was conducted to identify and map heavy-metal contamination in the Ballarat-Creswick area of Central Victoria, Australia, with respect to mining activities and natural background levels in soils. The distribution and concentrations of both lithology- (Fe, Al, and Mn) and pollution-sensitive elements (Zn, As, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Co) were documented in surface soils (approximately 0 to 10 cm, fraction <2 mm, n = 85). The total heavy-metal and metalloid contents in soils decreased in the order Fe >> Al >> Zn > Mn >> As > Pb > Cu approximately Ni approximately Cr > Co. Mean levels of Zn (273 mg/kg) and As (39 mg/kg) in soils were well above normal global ranges and could be of local importance as a source of contamination. Extreme soil levels of Ni, Cr, Pb, and Fe were found in old mining waste material and pointed to the anthropogenic influence on the environment. Most of the measured elements showed marked spatial variations except Co. As contents were significantly higher than the tolerable level (ANZECC (1992) guidelines), with values up to 395.8 mg/kg around the mine tailings site. Mn soil contents were strongly associated with Co and Ni contents in most soils. High Fe contents (average approximately 41,465 mg/kg) in soils developed on basalt bedrock were correlated with Zn contents (average 400 mg/kg), and it is highly likely that Fe-oxides serve as sinks for Zn under near-neutral soil pH (6.3) conditions. Between the two major bedrock lithologic units, Ordovician sediments and Tertiary basalt, a clear enrichment of metals was found in the latter that was reflected in high background levels of elements. Among the various size fractions, silt (average approximately 45.1%) dominated most of the soils. In general and with a few exceptions, the concentrations of measured elements did not show significant correlations to other measured soil parameters, e.g., clay, silt and sand size fractions, organic matter, soil pH, and cation exchange capacity.

Arsenic and Antimony Content in Soil and Plants from Baia Mare Area, Romania

“…No correlation has been obtained for the As and Sb content in the soil and respectively in the plants with the pH of the soil. (Hammel et al, 2000) Max 500 0.09-2.2 Poland (metallurgical site) (Gal et al, 2006) 3.13-9.16 Spain (mining site) (Casado et al, 2007) 42-4530 0.02-2.77 60-230 0.002-4.25 Scotland (mining site) (Gal et al, 2006) 17.4-50 1.19-10 Italy (mining site) (Gal et al, 2006) 16-691 1.63-11.44 Bulgaria (reference soil) (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias, 2001) 1.25-2.32 England (reference soil) (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias, 2001) 0.29-1.3 Norway (reference soil) (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias, 2001) 0.17-2.2 China (metallurgical site) (He, 2007) 100.6-5045 Australia (mining site) (Sultan, 2007) 7.44-395.8 New Jersey (chemical pesticides with As) (Cheng et al, 2007) 3.8-387 New Jersey (reference soil) (Cheng et al, 2007) 1.6-4.6 Canada (reference soil) (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias, 2001) 0.05-2.0 Brasilia (in park) (Figueiredo et al, 2007) 11.5-21.5 1.4-2.5 Mexico (mining site) (Rosas et al, 1999) Max 30 The results show the existence of a correlation between the As and Sb contents in the soil and respectively in the plants, taking us to the presumption that these elements follow a common cycle between the polluting source, soil and plant. It is generally accepted that in the process of the absorption of metals from the soil by plants the dominant factor is the metal content from the soil, but in the same time it can be affected by other factors as well including the pH of the soil (Jung and Thorntorn, 1996).…”

Spatial monitoring of arsenic and heavy metals in the Almyros area, Central Greece. Statistical approach for assessing the sources of contamination

“…Nowadays, there is an increasing need to understand the natural background soil levels of heavy metals and the influence of the anthropogenic activities on the environment (Sultan 2007). Contamination of soils with heavy metals is widespread in the world and poses a long-term risk to ecosystem health (Abollino et al 2002).…”

Elevated heavy metal concentrations in top soils of an Aegean island town (Greece): total and available forms, origin and distribution

“…The interpretation of the above data processing aids to identify pollution sources and apportion natural vs. anthropic contribution. GIS processing software is increasingly used in environmental studies because of its ability to expose non point source contaminants (Sultan 2007; and as a visual aid in interpreting heavy metals spatial distribution.…”