Journal article

Publication year: 1991

Pages: 227-232

Journal: Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science

Volume number: 154

Issue number: 3

ISSN: 0044-3263

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.19911540314

Publisher: Wiley-VCH Verlag

Abstract: 
The heavy metal status of an industrial production site (about 40000 m2) in the Lahn valley (middle Hesse) was investigated. In the upper soil layer (0 - 1 m) Fe, Pb-, and Zn-contents were determined in 42 sampling points. High heavy metal contents (up to 45% Fe, 4% Zn, and 2,5% Pb) were discovered in certain topsoil samples. The geostatistical analysis suggested that a spatially limited accumulation of Pb and Zn together with iron exists in the southern and western part of the area, where a continual bog iron layer in the oxidized horizon of the local gleysols had been detected. The profile distribution of Fe, Pb, and Zn also revealed a close coexistency of these elements together with SO4 and other soluble salts in a distinct horizon. On the whole, no evidence was found for an industrial origin of the observed heavy metal accumulations. Since the base of the upper groundwater floor is formed by highly pyritic black shales, which obviously also contain Pb/Zn-ores, a geogenic heavy metal enrichment is proposed. The intense weathering of the black shales charges the groundwater with iron, heavy metals and sulfates. This salt load is deposited in the groundwaters capillary fringe forming a bog iron pan rich in heavy metals and soluble salts.

Harvard Citation style: PRADE, K., HAGELGANS, V. and SCHWIEGER, T. (1991) HEAVY-METAL ACCUMULATION IN THE PLINTHIC HORIZON OF A FERRIC GLEYSOL, Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science = Zeitschrift für Pflanzenernährung und Bodenkunde, 154(3), pp. 227-232. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.19911540314

APA Citation style: PRADE, K., HAGELGANS, V., & SCHWIEGER, T. (1991). HEAVY-METAL ACCUMULATION IN THE PLINTHIC HORIZON OF A FERRIC GLEYSOL. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science = Zeitschrift für Pflanzenernährung und Bodenkunde. 154(3), 227-232. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.19911540314