The distribution of sequentially extracted Cu, Pb, and Zn fractions in Podzol profiles under dwarf pine of different stages of degradation in subalpine zone of Karkonosze Mts (central Europe)

Jerzy Weber,Anna Karczewska,Agnieszka Dradrach,Andrzej Kocowicz

doi:10.1007/s11368-017-1715-3

Jerzy Weber, Anna Karczewska + Show 2 more

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-017-1715-3

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Abstract

PurposeHere, we aimed to assess the contamination of Podzol soils in a subalpine zone of the Karkonosze Mountains. Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the soil and the patterns of their speciation are discussed in relation to the possible influence of airborne industrial emissions and the stage of degradation of dwarf mountain pine stands.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted in the Karkonosze, a mountain range in the Sudetes, on the boundary between Poland and the Czech Republic. We examined Podzols derived from granites under dwarf mountain pine stands at two stages of degradation (without visible degradation vs. dead). These two sites were 100 m apart, at an altitude of 1400 m above sea level (upper mountain forest zone). Soil samples were collected from all distinguished soil horizons and their basic soil properties and heavy metal (Cu, Pb, and Zn) concentrations (and their speciation) determined by sequential extraction according to the method of Zeien and Brümmer.Results and discussionThe Cu concentrations in these soils were relatively low, typical for soils derived from granite and did not differ considerably within soil profiles. The residual Cu fraction was a predominant one in all mineral horizons. The Pb concentrations in the surface organic horizons were clearly higher than those in similar horizons of European lowland forest soils. This distribution of Pb in the mineral horizons was apparently associated with soil colloid distribution that developed in the process of podzolization, indicating the minimum concentrations in eluvial E horizons and enhanced concentrations in illuvial Bh horizons. The organically bound fraction made up about 40% of total Pb in the Bh horizons. Zn concentrations were highest in the deepest parts of the soil, where the predominant fraction was residual, while relatively high amounts of easily mobilizable Zn were present in ectohumus.ConclusionsVery high concentrations of Pb in ectohumus have most likely been caused by a long-distance transport of anthropogenic emissions. The concentrations of Pb or other metals found in soils cannot be considered to have been the principal causes of the ecological disaster observed in the Karkonosze Mountains. The highest concentrations of Pb in ectohumus, as well as its high contributions in the organically bound fraction, confirm a crucial role of organic matter in Pb accumulation in soils.

Highlights

The Karkonosze, a mountain range in the Sudetes, was subject to widespread deterioration of forest complexes during the last decades of the twentieth century
The Pb concentrations in the surface organic horizons were clearly higher than those in similar horizons of European lowland forest soils. This distribution of Pb in the mineral horizons was apparently associated with soil colloid distribution that developed in the process of podzolization, indicating the minimum concentrations in eluvial E horizons and enhanced concentrations in illuvial Bh horizons
Zn concentrations were highest in the deepest parts of the soil, where the predominant fraction was residual, while relatively high amounts of mobilizable Zn were present in ectohumus

Summary

Introduction

The Karkonosze, a mountain range in the Sudetes (central Europe), was subject to widespread deterioration of forest complexes during the last decades of the twentieth century. (Mazurski 1986; Grodzińska and Szarek-Łukaszewska 1997; Fabiszewski and Wojtuń 2000; Godek et al 2008) Such effects were caused by complex interactions of multiple factors, including (1) adverse climatic, geological, and soil conditions; (2) the intensity of anthropogenic impact; (3) the level of air pollution from industrial emissions; and (4) the occurrence of insect pests and parasitic fungi (Sobik and Błaś 2008). Several studies reported increased concentrations of some heavy metals in soils of the Karkonosze (Borkowski et al 1993; Drozd et al 1996; Szopka et al 2013) and supposed that heavy metals should be considered as highly disadvantageous components of pollution that affect biota, including plants, and destroy natural ecosystems (Salemaa et al 2001; Guala et al 2010; Chai et al 2014). The effects of potentially toxic concentrations of metals, and their mobile forms, on mountain habitats need close examination

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