Numéro |
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 107, May 2003
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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, 21 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.
© EDP Sciences 2003