The speciation pattern of lead in street dusts and soils in the vicinity of two London schools

Abstract

The chemical association pattern of lead in road dusts taken at locations near two schools in South East London and from soils located within the schools' grounds was investigated using a selective extractant speciation scheme. The results indicate that lead in road dusts is primarily associated with the carbonate and iron and manganese hydrous oxide fractions. In soils, this patter is altered with lead levels in the carbonate fraction becoming reduced and percentage levels in the iron and manganese hydrous oxide and organic fractions becoming more important. Overall lead levels are variable; some tentative evidence suggests that these overall levels in road dusts may be affected by street-cleaning regimes. The results of the survey are assessed in terms of the potential hazard posed to children in the 0 to 6 y age range.