Abstract
This study focuses on heavy metals contained in organic soil horizons resulting from the industrial air pollution caused by local enterprises. Polymetallic dust containing heavy metals is one of the main by-products in the smelting of non-ferrous metals. We evaluated the contents of Ni, Cu, and Co in the upper soil horizons containing the maximum amount of these pollutants (due to the formation of stable compounds with organic components of these horizons). Sampling was carried out at various distances from the source of pollution at previously established test sites. The study found acid-soluble heavy metals at various distances from the source of pollution and revealed the regularity of their content, both qualitative and quantitative.
Highlights
The Kola Peninsula features tundra and forest podzolic soils. These soils are marked by low productivity with little organic matter arriving with litter every year
Organic matter is concentrated in the uppermost part of the soil profile, where the root systems of plants are found
The evidence for the study was obtained on the Kola Peninsula in Monchegorsky, Kovdorsky and Olenegorsky districts at previously established test sites located at different distances from the source of pollution (Fig. 1)
Summary
The Kola Peninsula features tundra and forest podzolic soils These soils are marked by low productivity with little organic matter arriving with litter every year. Unfavourable temperature conditions, low ash content of litter and poor soil aeration, adversely affect the microbial activity resulting in insufficient humus content [1]. Another feature of such soils is pronounced gleying. The surface horizons of podzolic soils are depleted in nutrients especially highly-soluble compounds of potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. These soils are among the most unsaturated and acidic soils in the world. They are infertile due to their high acidity, low nutrient content, the prevalence of brown humus and poor water physical properties [2]
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