Distribution Of Elements In Soils Research Articles

Assessing pollution degree and human health risks from hazardous element distribution in soils near gold mines in a Colombian Andean region: correlation with phytotoxicity biomarkers

The assessment of human health risk due to the presence of hazardous element in the environment is now necessary for environmental management and legislative initiatives. This study aims to determine the contamination by As, Cd, Pb, and Cr in soils near gold mines in three municipalities located in the Andean region of Colombia. One of the main objectives of the study is to explore possible correlations between the Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) and phytotoxicity biomarkers using a simple and rapid-response plant model, radish (Raphanus sativus L.). In the municipality of Yalí, Puerto Berrío, and Buriticá, the hazardous element concentrations ranged from 8.1 to 35.5, 1.7 to 892, and 5.8 to 49.8 for As, 0.1 to 4.6, 0.1 to 65.2, and 0.5 to 18.2 for Cd, 18.5 to 201.3, 13.0 to 1908, and 189 to 2345 for Pb, and 5.4 to 118.4, 65.4 to 301, and 5.4 to 102.3 for Cr, respectively. The results showed that the biomarkers H2O2 concentration, antioxidant activity, and radicle elongation exhibited significant (P < 0.05) variations associated with the concentration of hazardous element in the soils. Significant correlations (P< 0.05, r > 0.58) were found between the biomarkers and the LCR for Cd, Pb, and Cr, but not for As. The results using biomarkers reveal that soil pH and organic matter content are important variables that control the bioavailability of these elements in the soil. The use of indicators like LCR alone has limitations and should be accompanied by the use of biomarkers that allow for a better understanding of the biological system's response to exposure to potentially toxic elements. The results obtained show the urgent need to implement public policies to minimize exposure to hazardous substances in areas near gold mining projects.

Characterization and chemical fractionation of potentially toxic elements in soils of a pre-mining mineralized area; an evaluation of mobility and environmental risk.

The environmental geochemical characterization of mineralized areas prior to mining does not receive adequate attention. This study shows trace element distribution in soils of two unexploited porphyry copper deposits located in Darreh-Zereshk and Ali-Abad in central Iran. The study was carried out using a compositional data analysis (CoDa) approach and combination of multivariate statistics and clustering techniques, which made it possible to identify the geochemical associations representing the different areas of the mineral deposits. The results of the chemical analyses, performed by ICP-MS, revealed high concentrations of those elements typically associated with porphyry deposits (As, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The typical zonal pattern with an anomaly of Cu in central parts of the system and the prevalence of epithermal elements (Ag, Cd, Pb, and Zn) toward the peripheral propylitic alteration zone were recognized. The XRD analysis of selected soil samples allowed us to determine the distribution of elements within the different carrier minerals. Afterward, geochemical speciation patterns were investigated by a four-step sequential extraction procedure based on BCR protocol. The residual fraction consisting of primary resistant minerals was found to be the main host for As (73-93.4%), Cr (65.1-79.6%), Cu (54.3-81.4%), Ni (58.9-80.6%), V (75.9-88%), and Zn (56.5-60.5%) in the studied soils. Even though these elements are not readily leachable, their behavior and distribution could be largely affected by the mining operation and consequent changes in the physicochemical properties of the soil. The soluble-exchangeable phase was only less than 15% of the total extractions for all elements, except for Cd. With respect to the mobility factor (MF), Cd was the most mobile element followed by Sb and Pb. The measured risk assessment code (RAC) presented the following risk order: Cd > Sb > Ni > Co > Pb > Cr > As > Zn > Cu > V. This study reveals that the acquisition of pre-mining geo-environmental data of trace elements is very important to establish pre-mining backgrounds and baselines for evaluating post-mining or post-reclamation geochemical signatures.

Major elements concentration in soils. A case study from Campania Region (Italy)

In this study, 500 bottom soils and 7300 topsoils samples were collected to determine the major elements concentrations and to evaluate the correspondence of soil chemical contents and the local geology and to better identify background values. The <2 mm fraction of each sample was analysed for a total of 52 elements combining ICP-MS and ICP-ES techniques. This study focuses on the concentration and distribution of major elements: Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P and Ti. A combined methodological approach, which involved compositional data analysis, multifractal data interpolation, as well as enrichment factor analysis, was applied to the geochemical dataset. Results indicate that the compositional approach in the multivariate data analysis allows to better interpret the behaviour of elements in natural environment and in geochemical processes as compared to raw data and to improve the quality of related maps. The study has shown that the soils of the Campania region generally contain higher concentrations of investigated major elements than those assessed for European and Italian agricultural soils. In Campania, both bottom soils and topsoils contain higher concentrations of Al, K, Na, P and Ti in volcanic areas. Limestone and dolostone are responsible for higher Ca and Mg contents, while soils formed on siliciclastic deposits generally contain higher levels of Fe and Mn. P and Na concentrations are higher in volcanic soils, but the contribution of fertilizers, which is evident in some areas, should not be underestimated. Weathering processes play an essential role in the distribution of elements in soils, and this appears very evident mostly in volcanic areas. The observations are consistent with the results of the enrichment factors analysis.

Assessment of natural and anthropogenic factors on the distribution of chemical elements in soil from the Skopje region, North Macedonia

The main objective of this study is to present the distribution of different chemical elements in soil samples from the Skopje region, North Macedonia. To determine the level of presence of chemical elements, soil samples are collected from a total of 60 locations. From each location, from an area of 5 × 5 km2 samples of soil are collected: topsoil (0–5 cm) and subsoil (20–30 cm). The soil samples were analyzed for 69 elements by using two instrumental methods: inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) for macro-elements and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for trace elements. A factor analysis was applied to analyze the factors affecting the linear combination variables grouped at the same factor. Spatial distribution maps of each factor as well as distribution maps for the analyzed elements were prepared by universal kriging interpolation. It was found that the distribution of most elements follows the lithology of the examined area, except for some elements (Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Zn) whose higher contents are found in the area of the city of Skopje as a result of urban and industrial activities (traffic, metal processing, fossil fuel combustion for heating).

MACRO- AND MICROELEMENTS DISTRIBUTION IN URBANIZED ECOSYSTEMS OF KARELIA

The aim was to study the distribution of macro-and microelements in the main urban ecosystems of Karelia. Methods. Samples of soil, vegetation, surface water, sediments and biota (fish) were taken. In total, 300 samples were collected. The analysis of the material was carried out using epithermal instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), x-ray spectral analysis (XRF), and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) with "cold steam" and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS). Concentration of 32 chemical elements in soil, birch leaves, sediments, water and biota (fish) was determined. Results. The distribution of macro- and microelements in soil and vegetation of these main cities of Karelia was determined. Geochemical profiles of distribution of elements in soils and vegetation were constructed. Concentration of heavy and toxic metals in the samples of water and sediments was close to the background values. High concentration of mercury in the muscles of predatory fish was found (CHg = 0.2÷0.3 mcg/kg). Conclusions. The levels of total accumulation of heavy and toxic metals in the soil of Petrozavodsk are classified as hazardous (Zc = 56), and soil pollution in Pitkyaranta, Sortavala and Suoyarvi is considered moderately dangerous (Zc = 15-31). A high degree of correlation between the concentration of elements in the soil and birch leaves was found. The water in lake Ladoga, lake Onega, and lake Suoyarvi in terms of the concentration of the elements presented in the article meets the Russian standards for drinking water.

Constraining the distribution of elements and their controlling factors in the Zhaojikou Pb–Zn ore deposit, SE China, via fractal and compositional data analysis

The distribution of elements in soil is affected by various natural processes, and therefore, it is essential that exploration geochemists are able to recognize whether an elemental concentration is related to mineralization or other processes. This research aimed to recognize the elemental distribution and its controlling factors around the Zhaojikou Pb–Zn ore deposit, SE China, via fractal and compositional data analysis. Firstly, histograms over the raw data and log-ratio transformations were used to check whether the concentration data followed a normal distribution or not. The concentration distribution maps of elements were then generated via spretrum–area fractal plot to show the spatial relationships. Afterward, the inter-relationships among different elements were studied through robust principal component analysis based on compositional data theory. The factors controlling the distribution of elements were discussed and geochemical indices were proposed for future exploration. Finally, a comprehensive anomaly map was generated to show important prospecting areas. Results showed how the interpretation of distributions of elements was enhanced due to the application of data log-ratio transformation in univariate and multivariate analysis compared to the use of raw data. The histograms based on isometric log-ratio performed best among the three log-ratio transformations. The concentration distribution maps showed three anomalous areas at the surface. It clearly allowed identifying the relationships between the elements and their possible source patterns. Area I with anomalous assemblage of Pb–Zn–Ag–Cu–Cd corresponded to the current known ore deposits, while Area II with anomalous assemblage of Pb–Zn–Ag–Cu–Cd may indicate the occurrence of new potential base metal (Pb–Zn) ore bodies, and Area III with anomalous assemblage of W–As–Sb may indicate the occurrence of new potential Au mineralization/ore occurences. The robust biplot of PCA shows that the distributions of elements of interest were generally controlled by three geological processes: Pb–Zn ore-forming process, Au mineralization and weathering. Lead, Zn, Ag, Cu, and Cd, were affected mainly by Pb–Zn ore-forming processes; W, Sb, and As were affected mainly by Au mineralization, whereas Al2O3, K2O, Rb, Ba, Sr, Na2O, CaO, MgO, and SiO2 were affected to a greater extent by weathering processes. Sulphur, a mineralizing agent, was controlled by the ore-forming processes, being affected greatly by weathering. Finally, we proposed Pb > 160 ppm, Zn > 120 ppm, Ag > 193 ppb, Cu > 50 ppm, Cd > 210 ppb, W > 5 ppm, As > 25 ppm, Sb > 3.5 ppm, and S > 120 ppm as geochemical indices based on concentration-area fractal model analysis for future surficial geochemical prospecting in the Zhaojikou District.

Factors that influence the spatial distribution of heavy metals in soil of the Yutian County, Xinjiang, China

In this study, 1165 surface soil samples for heavy metal analysis were collected in the Yutian County, Xinjiang, China. The factors that influence the spatial distribution of heavy metal elements in soils in the study area were analyzed by means of multivariate statistical analysis, geostatistics, spatial autocorrelation, spatial analysis and GIS technology. Results show that among 1165 soil samples, three of which had As contents greater than the risk screening values. The theoretical models for variation function of Cd and Pb were exponential model, while the theoretical models for variation function of Hg, As, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn were spherical model. Nugget value of Cd was less than 25%, indicated a relatively strong spatial correlation. Nugget value of other elements ranged between 25% and 50%, indicated significant spatial correlations. The spatial autocorrelation Moran's I index of soil heavy metal contents in the Yutian County was greater than 0. There was a positive spatial correlation distribution in the county scale. The spatial distribution of soil heavy metal contents in the Yutian County showed a general decreasing trend from the center of the study area to surrounding areas. Distribution of soil heavy metal contents in the Yutian County varied in different parent materials, soil types and land use patterns. Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in soil derived from the same source, contents of which were affected by soil texture.

A study of trace elements in plants of the Polar Urals and Chukotka in the search for metallophyte hyperaccumulators

The present study summarizes the results of investigations of the trace element distribution in soils and their uptake by plants of natural habitats on the ultramafic and acidic rocks of the Polar Urals and Chukotka in the Arctic Russia. Concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Co were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in 194 plant species of 30 families and 157 soil samples. Two leaches were used for the soil – 1 M ammonium acetate (exchangeable) and 1 M HNO3 (acid soluble); a mixture of 1.5 M HNO3 and 3.7 M HCl was used for the plants. The levels of Fe, Cr and especially Ni in the soils on the ultramafic rocks exceeded those of soils on the acidic rocks. The mineral composition of plant species varies depending on the differences in chemical and mineralogical composition of the two soil-forming rock types. Taxon-specific features in the accumulation of potentially toxic elements in plants of these regions have been revealed for the first time. The data on the metal accumulation ability of plant species show that the species Thlaspi cochleariforme DC. and Alyssum obovatum (C.A. Mey) Turcz. (Brassicaceae) could be considered as Ni hyperaccumulators. These species could therefore have potential for Ni phytoextraction from contaminated soils.

Chemical diagenesis in near-surface zone above oil fields in geochemical exploration

Hydrocarbon microseepages result in chemical and mineralogical changes in the near-surface zone above oil reservoirs. The results of geochemical research within the three oil fields of the West Siberian Basin demonstrate that chemical diagenetic processes lead to an increased inhomogeneity in chemical element distribution in soils, subsoil atmosphere and snow. Pulse cathodoluminescence (PCL) study of soils and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study of micro- and nanoparticles, collected from the subsoil atmosphere, showed that geochemical conditions over oil reservoirs were favorable for the enrichment of silicate and aluminosilicate minerals by chemical impurities. Chemical composition of micro- and nanoparticles of metal compounds, collected from within the vertical projection of the oil field outline, suggested that these compounds were formed under intense reductive conditions that are not characteristic for the hypergene zone.

Assessment of the trace element distribution in soils in the parks of the city of Zagreb (Croatia).

This paper presents the results of the preliminary testing of the selected trace elements in the soils of several parks in the city of Zagreb, Republic of Croatia. In each park, the samples were taken from several points-at various distances from the roads. The samples were taken at two different depths: 0-5 and 30-45cm. Composite samples were done for each sampling point. Microwave-assisted wet digestion of the soil samples was performed and the determination by ICP-AES technique was done. Results obtained for Al, As, Ba, Mn, Ti, V, and K are in a good agreement with the results published in the scientific literature so far. The mass fraction values of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn are somewhat higher than the maximum values given in the Croatian Directive on agricultural land protection against pollution. Be, Mo, Sb, Se, and Tl in the samples were present in the concentrations that are lower than their method detection limit values.

Land use change affects biogenic silica pool distribution in a subtropical soil toposequence

Abstract. Land use change (deforestation) has several negative consequences for the soil system. It is known to increase erosion rates, which affect the distribution of elements in soils. In this context, the crucial nutrient Si has received little attention, especially in a tropical context. Therefore, we studied the effect of land conversion and erosion intensity on the biogenic silica pools in a subtropical soil in the south of Brazil. Biogenic silica (BSi) was determined using a novel alkaline continuous extraction where Si ∕ Al ratios of the fractions extracted are used to distinguish BSi and other soluble fractions: Si ∕ Al &gt; 5 for the biogenic AlkExSi (alkaline-extractable Si) and Si ∕ Al &lt; 5 for the non-biogenic AlkExSi. Our study shows that deforestation can rapidly (&lt; 50 years) deplete the biogenic AlkExSi pool in soils depending on the slope of the study site (10–53 %), with faster depletion in steeper sites. We show that higher erosion in steeper sites implies increased accumulation of biogenic Si in deposition zones near the bottom of the slope, where rapid burial can cause removal of BSi from biologically active zones. Our study highlights the interaction of erosion strength and land use for BSi redistribution and depletion in a soil toposequence, with implications for basin-scale Si cycling.

Spatial and temporal variations of trace element distribution in soils and street dust of an industrial town in NW Spain: 15 years of study

Extensive spatial and temporal surveys, over 15years, have been conducted in soil in urban parks and street dusts in one of the most polluted cities in western Europe, Avilés (NW Spain). The first survey was carried out in 1996, and since then monitoring has been undertaken every five years. Whilst the sampling site is a relatively small town, industrial activities (mainly the steel industry and Zn and Al metallurgy) and other less significant urban sources, such as traffic, strongly affect the load of heavy metals in the urban aerosol. Elemental tracers have been used to characterise the influence of these sources on the composition of soil and dust. Although PM10 has decreased over these years as a result of environmental measures undertaken in the city, some of the “industrial” elements still remain in concentrations of concern for example, up to 4.6% and 0.5% of Zn in dust and soil, respectively. Spatial trends in metals such as Zn and Cd clearly reflect sources from the processing industries. The concentrations of these elements across Europe have reduced over time, however the most recent results from Avilés revealed an upward trend in concentration for Zn, Cd, Hg and As. A risk assessment of the soil highlighted As as an element of concern since its cancer risk in adults was more than double the value above which regulatory agencies deem it to be unacceptable. If children were considered to be the receptors, then the risk nearly doubles from this element.

Spatial distribution and geochemical baselines of major/trace elements in soils of Medak district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Regional-scale variations in soil geochemistry were investigated with special reference to differences among soil groups and lithology in an area of 9,699 km2 in Medak district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The concentrations of 29 elements (major: Si, Al, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca, Na, K, Ti, P and trace: As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sr, Th, U, V, Y, Zn, Zr) in 878 soil samples collected (557-topsoil, 321-subsoil) at a sampling density of 1 site/17 km2 from 557 sites representative of all the soil types present in studied area were determined, and their elemental composition are discussed. The baseline levels of these elements in soils are determined over different lithological units for the identification of anomalous values relative to these. For the first time, geochemical maps for Medak district are prepared on 1:50,000 scale and the lithogeochemical database generated provides information on the lateral and vertical distribution of elements in soil. The spatial variations in the distribution of elements reflect underlying geologic characteristics. Box-plots reveal that the concentration of most of the elements in soils were not strongly dependent on the soil group but the soil-geochemistry abruptly changes with the change in the soil parent materials indicating that the distribution of elements is mostly influenced by the bedrock lithology and other natural processes acting on them. For instance, the concentrations of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ti, V and Zn are high in soils developed on basaltic terrain while the soils developed on granitic and gneissic terrain exhibit high elemental concentrations of K, Pb, Rb, Si, Th and Y. Alfisols had relatively high contents of elements while entisols had lower concentrations of most of the elements. The database can be used in the chemical characterisation of different geological units as well as applications in various environmental and agricultural fields. The results indicate that regional geology is an important determinant of soil geochemical baselines for soil pollution assessment and further emphasizes the importance of determining background levels locally. The defined baselines can be used to establish background values for future soil surveys.

Concentration and Distribution of Metal Elements in Soils near a Upstream of the Pearl River, China

The concentration and distribution of metal (Mg, K, Ca and Na) elements in agricultural and non-agricultural soils were investigated in upstream of the Pearl River, China. The result showed that total Mg, K, Ca and Na concentrations in agricultural soils were higher than those in non-agricultural soils, indicating that agricultural input, such as water irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide application, may have led to the accumulation of Mg, K, Ca and Na in agricultural soils. Total concentrations of the metal elements in agricultural and non-agricultural soils were compared with the background values of Yunnan soil, the result showed Mg, K and Na were lower in both agricultural and non-agricultural soils in the study area, while Ca was relatively higher, which were possibly due to Karsts geographic environment in the study area.

Potentially toxic element distribution in soils from the Ag-smelting slag of Kutná Hora (Czech Republic): Descriptive and prediction analyses

The distribution and environmental hazard of potentially toxic elements in the vicinity of a large smelter heap located in the traditional mining town of Kutná Hora, Czech Republic were studied. To understand their occurrence and to predict their mobility and deposition, trends and patterns in PTE distribution were related to soil properties and environmental variables. Slag samples and slag impacted soils were characterized by high 2M HNO3 extractable PTE contents which generally increased with depth, but relatively low plant available fractions; Cd and Mn were the most available elements. Manganese availability was significantly higher in soils under vegetation canopy whereas availability of Cu decreased. Organic matter and pH were identified as significant variables controlling availability of Mn, As and Mn, Zn respectively. Availability of Pb and Cu had significant negative correlation with soil clay content. Mean values of Pb, Mn, Cu, Zn and As from sediment samples exceeded the background value for non-polluted alluvial sediment by 1.8, 1.5, 3.4, 9.8 and 1.3 times respectively. Despite the elevated presence of PTE in river sediments, only Mn and Zn were detected in water samples, but at levels which are not considered hazardous. Included in the paper is a method proposal for quickly and easily identifying threshold values of a chosen soil property which control accumulation of PTE in soil respective of their source. The slag heap at Kutná Hora is a proven source of PTE with evidence of their mobility/transport into the surrounding environment. Although the environment is highly heterogeneous, and the mobility of PTE can be dependent upon pedogenic, geologic, ecological, hydrological and climatic variables, overall the study area was characterized by relatively low availability of PTE, with a limited threat to healthy plant development in the immediate surroundings of the smelter slag heap.

Application of multifractal models to identify geochemical anomalies in Zarshuran Au deposit, NW Iran

The identification and separation of soil geochemical anomalies using the concentration-number (C-N) and concentration-area (C-A) methods was conducted at the Zarshuran Carlin-type Au deposit, NW Iran. Log-log elemental plots fitted with straight lines show C-N and C-A relationships of Au, As, Sb and Cu. The thresholds obtained from the two methods are similar. Element concentrations can be divided into three segments that correlate with a particular rock type including mafic rocks, serpentine schist (within the Iman Khan Anticline), Ghaldagh limestone and Zarshuran shale units. Various structural features and corresponding alteration show that geologic structures play an important role in the discrimination of geochemical anomalies and element distribution in soils.

Content and distribution of chemical elements in soils of lake depressions in Shira Steppe of Chulym-Yenisei basin

We consider the content and distribution of chemical elements in the soils of Shira Steppe in the Chulym-Yenisei basin. And we analyze the possible formation variants for the specific elemental composition of the soils in lake depressions.

Trace element distribution in soils developed on gossan mine wastes and Cistus ladanifer L. tolerance and bioaccumulation

The aim of this study was to evaluate trace element distribution in soils developed on gossan mine wastes and their bioavailability for Cistus ladanifer. The ability of this shrub to accumulate these trace elements and its germination were analysed to confirm the suitability of this species for phytostabilization of mining areas in Mediterranean conditions. Plants and soils were collected in São Domingos mine and Pomarão (non-contaminated site). Concentration of As, Cu, Pb and Zn in soils (total and associated with different soil phases) and roots/leaves/seeds were analysed. Mine soils showed contamination with great total concentrations: As (2643mg/kg), Cu (226mg/kg) and Pb (7343mg/kg). Soil available fractions were small (<2.8% of total). These elements are mainly associated with residual fraction, and Fe and Mn oxides. The low As and Pb availability in São Domingos soils can be related to the presence of iron(III) lead(II) arsenates in the residual fraction. Arsenic and Zn concentrations in leaves and Cu and Zn in seeds depend on population and soil characteristics but seed viability was not different in both sites. São Domingos leaves reached toxic values for Pb due to high Pb translocation from roots to leaves (0.67–1.46), however no visible phytotoxicity signs were observed. In the São Domingos plant population, As root storage was observed. Plants from both areas were Zn-accumulators while only plants from Pomarão were Pb-accumulators. Cistus ladanifer is suitable for phytostabilization of mine soils with similar characteristics. Seed germination from São Domingos is suitable for revegetation of this mine area.

Distribution of elements in soils of moraine landscape in Masurian Lakeland

The research was carried out in three catenas, in which the soils made a typical toposequence of the moraine landscape in Masurian Lakeland, i.e. eroded soils, deluvial soils, mucky soils as well as slightly and strongly silted peat-muck soils. The total content of Ca, Mg, K, P, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu was analyzed in these soils. The amounts of soil organic matter and measured elements showed catenal variation. Mucky soils had the highest content of Mg, K, Fe and Na whereas strongly and slightly silted peat-muck soils contained the highest amounts of P, Mn, Ca and Cu. The content of Ca was positively correlated with organic matter content. The amount of Mg, K, Cu and Mn was positively correlated with the amount of clay fraction. As the studied soils are located at the bottom of a slope, downwards water flow, where mineral compounds are accumulated in deposits or dissolved in water, mucky soils and silted peat-muck soils contain high amounts of the analyzed elements. Mucky soils and silted peat-muck soils play a role of biogeochemical barriers protecting wetlands against nutrients from surrounding moraine uplands. Surface horizons of deluvial soils were depleted of the analyzed elements (excluding P) whereas AO horizons of mucky soils and Mt horizons of peat-muck soils were abundant in the measured elements (excluding Ca). Various amounts of the analyzed elements in the pedons of the catena sequences should be taken into consideration when planning land use in the moraine landscape, which has unique natural values.

A soil sampling reference site: The challenge in defining reference material for sampling

In the frame of the international SOILSAMP project, funded and coordinated by the Italian Environmental Protection Agency, an agricultural area was established as a reference site suitable for performing soil sampling inter-comparison exercises. The reference site was characterized for trace element content in soil, in terms of the spatial and temporal variability of their mass fraction. Considering that the behaviour of long-lived radionuclides in soil can be expected to be similar to that of some stable trace elements and that the distribution of these trace elements in soil can simulate the distribution of radionuclides, the reference site characterised in term of trace elements, can be also used to compare the soil sampling strategies developed for radionuclide investigations.