In the carbonate soils contaminated by a toxic spill from a pyrite mine (Aznalcóllar, southern Spain), a study was made of a thin layer (thickness = 4 mm) of polluted soil located between the pyrite tailings and the underlying soil. This layer, reddish-yellow in color due to a high Fe content, formed when sulfates (from the oxidation of sulfides) infiltrated the soil, causing acidification (to ...

The origin of red or reddish-brown, clay-rich, ‘‘terra rossa’’ soils on limestone has been debated for decades. A traditional qualitative explanation for their formation has been the accumulation of insoluble residues as the limestone is progressively dissolved over time. However, this mode of formation often requires unrealistic or impossible amounts of carbonate dissolution. Therefore, where ...

The objective of this study was to establish baseline concentrations for 15 potentially toxic elements (Ag, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, and Zn) based on 448 representative Florida surface soils using microwave assisted HNOrHCI-HF digestion. Baseline concentrations of those elements were (mg kg-I): Ag 0.072.50, As 0.02-7.01, Ba 1.67-112, Be 0.04-4.15, Cd 6-0.33, Cr 0.89-8...

This paper presents an overview of methods for chemical speciation analysis of elements in samples of sediments and soils. The sequential leaching procedure is thoroughly discussed, and examples of different applications are shown. Despite some drawbacks, the sequential extraction method can provide a valuable tool to distinguish among trace element fractions of different solubility related to ...

Contamination of soil by copper (Cu) has become a serious problem throughout the world, causing the reduction of agricultural yield and harmful effects on human health by entering the food chain. A glasshouse pot experiment was designed to evaluate the potential use of halloysite as an immobilizing agent in the aided phytostabilization of Cu-contaminated soil, using Festuca rubra L. The content...

Taxonomic categories of the highest level (e.g. the RSG of the World Reference Base for soil resources) are not adequate when dealing with trace element concentrations in soils. This does not however mean that pedology, its basic concepts and knowledge accumulated over more than a century, are of no use in this domain. Examples of the role of soil forming processes on trace element contents in ...

An integrated study of rocks, soils and fruits of Manilkara zapota (L.) (Sapotaceae) of Winder area have been carried out to elaborate trace elements relationship between them. The igneous rocks of the study area have elevated amount of certain trace elements, upon weathering these elements are concentrated in the soil of the area. The trace elements concentration in the soil were found in the ...