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Geochemical and vegetation studies of trace substances from lead smelting

Conference · · Trace Subst. Environ. Health; (United States)
OSTI ID:5861638
Several hundred soil and vegetation samples from the Viburnum Trend or New Lead Belt of SE Missouri were analyzed for lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, manganese and total sulfur to determine natural background concentrations and to delineate areas of anomalous high concentrations caused by the mining and lead smelting activity. The area around one lead smelter showed anomalous high heavy metal concentrations for a distance of several miles. Other activities, such as the transport of ore concentrate in open trucks or by railroad, also act as sources of pollution. Elevated heavy metal concentrations in soils were found to be mainly restricted to the humus layer on the surface of the soil and to the top one inch soil layer. Most of the lead found in vegetation samples was thought to be present on the surface of the leaves. Findings should be of technical value for pollution abatement applications. 7 references, 2 figures, 5 tables.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Missouri, Rolla
OSTI ID:
5861638
Report Number(s):
CONF-720684-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Trace Subst. Environ. Health; (United States) Journal Volume: 6
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English