Numéro
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 107, May 2003
Page(s) 831 - 834
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:20030427


J. Phys. IV France
107 (2003) 831
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:20030427

Heavy metal partitioning in soil profiles in the vicinity of an industrial complex and potential health implications

E. Martley1 and B.L. Gulson1, 2

1  Graduate School of the Environment, Macquarie University, NSW Sydney 2109, Australia
2  CSIRO-Division of Exploration and Mining, P.O. Box 136, North Ryde, NSW 1670 Sydney, Australia


Abstract
The industrial complex of Port Kembla, NSW, Australia comprises a Cu smelter, steelworks and associated industries. As part of an investigation into the regional extent in soils of a suite of metals, speciation in selected soil profiles was undertaken. A single aqua regia extraction and a six-step sequential extraction procedure were applied to soil samples at six different horizons to a depth of 50 cm from: (i) a contaminated, disturbed site located about 70 m from a major point source (C2); (ii) a contaminated undisturbed area situated 1.1 km from the contamination source (CI); and (iii) an uncontaminated, undisturbed area located 22.1 km from the complex (C3). In the uncontaminated soil profile, Pb was preferentially bound to hydrous Fe-Mn oxides and the less mobile fractions (crystalline Fe oxides, sulphides and organic matter). Lead partitioning was relatively constant with depth. In the contaminated undisturbed soil profile, the proportion of mobile Pb decreased with depth. Lead partitioning at the lower levels was similar to that of core C3. At the surface, Pb was preferentially bound to carbonates. In the contaminated disturbed soil profile, a large proportion of Pb was found in the labile forms to a depth of 40-50 cm. The contaminated disturbed site represents potential health and environmental hazards.



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