Measurement of mobile trace metals from polluted soils in industrial sites

Abstract

Mobile trace elements in soils can adversely affect the quality of food, the growth of plants, the activity of soil microorganisms and the quality of the groundwater. to establish the level of pollution inducted in the environment (transfer through solubilization in groundwater, accessibility for plants) it is very important to know the content of mobile forms of heavy metals. the standard method ISO 14970/99, with the modified ratio between soil and solution of extraction (1:10 for acid soils), was used as a basis of assessment, as a sensitive instrument to detect soils with high amounts of potentially leachable elements (Cd and Pb). It was necessary to apply traceability concept on environmental soil measurements (‘in house’ validation of method), to ensure reproducibility, accuracy (truesness and precision) of measurements of mobile trace metals. the experiments conducted to conclusive and valuable data regarding the pollution of industrial activities (e.g. mining, metallurgic activities) on the environment.