Pollutant distribution and effects in forests adjacent to smelters

Journal Article · · J. Environ. Qual.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5408328

Hogan, G D; Wotton, D L

Pollutant levels were examined in a boreal forest system that had been exposed to smelter effluents for 50 yr. High levels of Zn, Cu, and Pb were found in the surface soils close to the source (< 10 km) and declined rapidly in a south-southeast direction. Significant deposition of metals may be occurring at sites up to 35 km from the source. Positive correlations between metals found in the soil and distance from the source implicated the smelter as the source of the metal particulates. The most heavily impacted sites (> 4000 and 1000 mg/kg of Zn and Cu respectively) showed significant accumulations of metal at lower soil depths. Extraction of soils with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) indicated that 50 to 60% and 18 to 36% of the Zn and Cu, respectively, could be in a plant-available form. Soil pH was not related to distance from the source, indicating that acidification had not taken place. Data did not indicate that metal levels in the soil have affected the foliar nutrient levels of major tree species. Elevated S levels were found in the foliage of black spruce (Picea mariana Mill.) close to the source but were not apparent for jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.). 25 references, 2 figures, 5 tables.

• Research Organization: Canadian Forestry Service, Edmonton, Alberta
• OSTI ID: 5408328
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States) Vol. 13:3; ISSN JEVQA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (-1989)
510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BIOLOGICAL AVAILABILITY
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CHRONIC EXPOSURE
CONIFERS
CONTAMINATION
COPPER
CORRELATIONS
DEPOSITION
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FORESTS
LEAD
LEAVES
LONG-RANGE TRANSPORT
MASS TRANSFER
METALS
NONMETALS
PH VALUE
PINES
PLANTS
POLLUTION SOURCES
SMELTERS
SOILS
SPRUCES
SULFUR
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
TREES
ZINC