Estimating the Possibility of Surface Soil Pollution with Atmospheric Lead Deposits Using the ADMER Model

Abstract

The literature assessing the risks of soil pollution from atmospheric lead (Pb) deposition is still insufficient, given that Pb deposition can cause large-scale surface soil pollution. This study estimated the possibility of Pb deposition causing soil pollution by calibrating a numerical model of deposition flux with a measured Pb content dataset in proximity to a pollution source. A total 34 surface soil samples were collected around an industrial park that emits Pb into the atmosphere. The sample’s Pb content was determined using hydrochloric acid extraction and an ICP-MS. The amount of annual Pb deposition was estimated using the atmospheric dispersion model for exposure and risk assessment (ADMER model). This approach resulted in accurate predictions of Pb distribution for most sites (<800 m from the pollution source), but the results indicated that the dry deposition velocity of Pb-containing particles was a significant determinant of horizontal Pb distribution. We conducted a sensitivity analysis of the ADMER’s estimated Pb deposition flux values by changing the diameter of Pb-containing particles. This analysis showed large fluctuations in soil Pb content within 1 km of the source, within the range of the previously reported dry deposition velocity.