Contamination of soil and vegetation near a zinc smelter by zinc, cadmium, copper, and lead

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1973 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es60074a004· OSTI ID:6355692

Buchauer, M J

Metal oxide fumes escaping from two zinc smelters in Palmerton, Pa., have highly contaminated soil and vegetation with zinc, cadmium, copper, and lead. Within 1 km of the smelters, 135,000 parts per million (ppm) zinc, 1750 ppm cadmium, 2000 ppm copper, and 2000 ppm lead have been measured in the O/sub 2/ horizon. Approximately 90% of metals deposited on the soil surface have been retained in the top 15 cm of the soil profile. Depauperate trees within 2 km of the smelters contained up to 4500 ppm zinc and 70 ppm cadmium by weight in washed, oven-dried foliage. Metal aerosols may enter the leaves directly, presumably through open stomates.

• Research Organization: Rutgers State Univ., New Brunswick, NJ
• OSTI ID: 6355692
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 7:2; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BUILDUP
CADMIUM
COPPER
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
LEAD
MASS TRANSFER
METALS
POLLUTANTS
POLLUTION
SOILS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
ZINC