Trace metal profiles in the forest floor of New England

Journal Article · · Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6356429

Friedland, A J; Johnson, A H; Siccama, T G; Mader, D L

Previous studies in New England have revealed high levels of trace metals in the forest floor of remote regions and evidence of increases in trace metal concentrations and amounts over time. In this study, forest floor profiles collected from a boreal forest in Vermont, a northern hardwood forest in New Hampshire and white pine (Pinus strobus L.) stands in Massachusetts were analyzed for Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, and organic matter. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and percent organic matter showed similar trends with depth in all three forests. Cadmium occurrence differed according to site. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni were greatest 2 to 4 cm below the surface of the forest floor in all three forests. As expected, percent organic matter decreased with depth in the profile. Concentration and accumulation of trace metals appear to occur in the Oe horizon.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
• OSTI ID: 6356429
• Journal Information: Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.; (United States) Vol. 48:2; ISSN SSSJD
• 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
BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHEMISTRY
COPPER
DATA
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FEDERAL REGION I
FORESTS
GEOCHEMISTRY
INFORMATION
LEAD
MASSACHUSETTS
METALS
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NICKEL
NORTH AMERICA
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC MATTER
POLLUTION
SOILS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
USA
VERMONT
ZINC