Estimating emission source of lead using 210Pb specific activity (210Pb/Pb) and zinc as tracers in Slovenian forest soils

Abstract

Specific activity of 210 Pb ( 210 Pb/Pb) is a good indicator for distinguishing local and remote emission sources of Pb deposited on some forest floors in Slovenia. Another parameter (zinc in soil) gives additional information on possible emission sources and distance of Pb transported from the source. The procedure based on 210 Pb activity measurements and non-destructive Pb and Zn determination is rather simple, and not necessary any chemical pre-treatments with strong acids. The soils investigated in this study were collected from several temperate forest sites (Ž irovski Vrh, Idrija, Kočevski Rog, Pohorje, Gorišnica, Rakitna, Hotavlje, Otovci, Ptujska gora and Puče) in Slovenia where high level of Pb contamination has been known in some places. Regression analyses of the results suggest an applicability of the proposed procedure for estimating emission sources and atmospheric transportation of Pb.