Lead levels in vegetation and soils near highways of various traffic densities

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975 · Va. J. Sci.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6297419

Goldsmith, Jr, C D; Scanlon, P F

Soil and vegetation samples were taken at distances of 3m, 6m, 12m and 18m from four highways of various traffic densities. Traffic densities were (A) 23,000 vehicles/day, (B) 9000 vehicles per day, (C) 1000 vehicles/day, and (D) an intersection with 12,000 vehicles/day on each route. Samples were assayed for lead using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Lead concentrations (ug/g) in soil ranged from 87.3 at 6m to 47.4 at 18m (Area A) and from 22.4 at 3m to 27.5 at 18m (Area C). Soil lead levels tended to increase with traffic density and to decline as distance from the highway increased. Mean plant lead levels (ug/g) ranged from 69.9 at 6m to 29.0 at 18m (Area A) and from 22.4 at 3m to 15.0 at 18m (Area C). Lead levels in vegetation tended to be highest where traffic density was highest and tended to decline as distance from the highway increased.

• Research Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ., Blacksburg
• OSTI ID: 6297419
• Journal Information: Va. J. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Va. J. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 26:2; ISSN VJSCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AUTOMOBILES
DEPOSITION
ELEMENTS
EXHAUST GASES
FLUIDS
FOLIAR UPTAKE
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
LEAD
METALS
ROADS
SOILS
UPTAKE
VEHICLES
WASTES