Impact of Physicochemical Characteristics of Colluvial and Alluvial Soils on Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn Content (East Poland)

Abstract

The physical and chemical parameters of soils play an important role in the binding and migration of trace elements in the environment. The study attempts to assess the correlation between the basic characteristics of colluvial and alluvial soils and the concentration of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. This will make it possible to indicate the key factors determining the binding of metals in soils. The studied soils were located in an agricultural region in Eastern Poland and subjected to generally low anthropogenic pollution. Sixteen profiles (160 samples) were analysed for total heavy metals content and selected soil properties: grain size distribution, soil organic matter (SOM) content, pH, Fe and Mn content. We used three statistical methods: principal component analysis, cluster analyses and Pearson`s correlations coefficient. Relations for colluvial and alluvial soils were different. SOM content was characteristic for the highest positive correlations with the heavy metals. The most distinct correlations with this parameter occur in the case of lead. No correlations with pH were found, the correlations with the particular fraction content were weak. Strong but diversified correlations occurred in the case of Fe and Mn. In general stronger correlations with soil characteristics were found for samples with the low heavy metals content; anthropogenic impact causing the disruption of natural correlations.