Soil Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment of Different Types of Lithuanian Shooting Ranges

Abstract

ABSTRACT Contamination at shooting ranges is a growing concern due to the accumulation of potentially toxic elements in the soil. The aim of the study was to determine the level of soil contamination in different types of Lithuanian shooting ranges (clay-target, practical, small-bore) and assess the potential ecological risks. Soil samples were taken in two soil layer depths (0–10 cm and 10–30 cm) and locations (range floor and berm/target line) of different types of shooting ranges. The soils of the practical and small-bore shooting ranges were neutral, clay target – slightly alkaline. The soil of the clay-target firing range floor had a significantly lower organic matter, than small-bore and practical firing ranges. Lead contamination was significantly higher in the floor and berm surface soil and subsoil (about 1000 mg kg−1 and 360–527 mg kg−1, respectively) of the practice range compared to the others and controls. The Cd concentrations in the surface soil of the practical range and the small-bore firing ranges and in the soil of the berm were considerably higher than in the soil of the clay target. There was a significant negative correlation between soil pH and Pb and Cd concentrations. Pb content was positively correlated with organic matter content. The soils of the practical range floor and berm indicated high ecological risk. The research showed that heavy metal contamination is specific in different types of shooting ranges, therefore various management practices should be applied to prevent pollution in particular shooting range.