Elements In Soil Samples Research Articles

Assessment of rare earth and actinides (U and Th) elements in soil samples from Kapar industrial area, Selangor

The study of rare earth and actinide elements have received attention nowadays due to rapid development in the extraction of the rare earth industry in Malaysia. Soil samples (18 areas) collected from the Kapar industrial area were analysed by using the neutron activation analysis (NAA) technique for the determination of rare earth elements and actinides (U, Th) concentration. The concentration of rare earth element such as La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Yb and Lu were ranged from 14.7-61.4, 30.6-132.8, 11.7-44.0, 2.12-9.60, 0.37-1.43, 0.03-1.57, 2.20-7.45, 0.28-0.81, and 1.99-4.15 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of uranium and thorium were a range of < 0.1-6.74 and 12.6-30.1 mg/kg, respectively. The results of geo-accumulation indicate the all-rare earth elements can be categorised as uncontaminated in all areas with an Igeo value below 0. The concentration of U can be categorised as uncontaminated to moderately contaminated (Igeo class 1) with Igeo values of 0 to 1 in the area of D, F, H, I, L, and N, whilst other areas can be categorised as uncontaminated with Igeo value < 0 (Igeo class 0). The thorium concentration in B, L, and N areas can be categorised as moderately contaminated with Igeo value 1 to 2 (Igeo class 2), whilst most of the area can be categorised as uncontaminated to moderately contaminated (Igeo values 0 to 1). The sources of Th contamination most likely originated from the anthropogenic and geogenic processes.

APPLICATION OF MULTIVARIATE STATISTICAL METHODS IN DETERMINING SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS IN SOIL (POREČE REGION, NORTH MACEDONIA)

The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of various chemical elements in soil samples in the region of Poreče, North Macedonia. For this purpose, 88 soil samples (44 topsoil, 0-5 cm, and 44 bottom soil samples, 20–30 cm) were collected and 57 elements were analyzed, from which 18 elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) were analyzed by ICP-AES and additional 39 elements (B, Be, Bi, Cd, Ce, Co, Cs, Dy, Er, Eu, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, In, La, Lu, Mo, Nb, Nd, Pd, Pr, Pt, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sn, Ta, Tb, Ti, Tl, Tm, W, Y, Yb and Zr) were analyzed by ICP-MS. The obtained results were statistically processed to determine possible areas with pollution of soil with heavy metals. From the results of the analyzed elements by ICP-AES, 3 association lithogenic factors [F1 (Cu-Ni-Cr-V-Zn-Fe-Mn), F2 (Sr-Ca-Mg), F3 (Li-K-Al-Ba)] were determined. The distribution of the elements which are included in the lithogenic factors are incurred as a result of geological structures present in the investigated area (schists, carbonates, sandstones, and Neogene sediments).

Use of multivariate statistical methods to determine spatial distributions of chemical elements in soils (Mariovo region, North Macedonia)

The main objective of this study is to present the distribution of different chemical elements in soil samples from the Mariovo region, North Macedonia. To determine the level of presence of chemical elements, soil samples were collected from a total of 33 locations in a 5×5 km area. From each location, two samples of soil were collected: topsoil (0–5 cm) and bottom soil (20–30 cm). The analyses of soil samples were used to assess the prevalence of the chemical elements and the presence of heavy metals in the studied area. The analysis was carried out, using two instrumental methods: atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES) for macro-elements, and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) for trace elements. A factor analysis was applied to reveal the relationships between the investigated variables (chemical elements). From the obtained results, spatial distribution maps of factors for the separate groups were prepared, as well as distribution maps for the analyzed elements. It was found that the distributions of most elements follow the lithology of the examined area. Factor analysis revealed the relationships between the investigated variables and could provide dimensionality reduction based on them.

Level, source, and risk assessment of toxic elements in traditional agricultural soils and coping strategies.

The level, source, and risk of toxic elements in traditional agricultural soils are particularly crucial for the sustainable development of agriculture. An important agricultural production base was selected, a total of 251 topsoil samples were collected, eight toxic elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) in soil were analyzed, and environmental and health risk assessments were conducted. Results showed that all concentrations of eight elements in soil samples were lower than the risk screening values with negligible pollution risk. Approximately 83.8% of Hg in soil was originated from atmospheric deposition related to industrial emissions, 53.2% of Cd was derived from direct industrial activities, and the other elements came from soil parent materials or agricultural activities. Accumulation risk of As in agricultural products, potential ecological risk from Cd, and As's ingestion risk and Cr's dermal contact risk should be paid more attention. More stricter monitoring and coping countermeasures and strategies should be established to ensure the sustainable development of agriculture.

Pollution Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Soils around the Yanzhuang Gold Mine Tailings Pond, Pinggu County, Beijing, China.

The accumulation of tailings from gold mining and smelting may result in PTE pollution. We investigated PTE contamination from a large amalgamated gold mine tailings pond in Pinggu County, Beijing. In November 2017, 30 soil samples were collected around the tailings pond. The concentrations and pollution degree of PTEs in the samples and the sources of Sb, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Hg were analyzed. The average concentration of these elements in soil samples near the tailings pond (16.24, 28.29, 0.99, 171.04, 263.25, 99.73, 0.72 mg/kg, respectively) were higher than their corresponding standard values and background values of the study area. The geoaccumulation index showed that the pollution degree of As, Pb and Hg was moderate, while Sb and Cu present non-pollution to moderate pollution. The average EF values of the elements were Sb (38.31), As (4.23), Cd (0.71), Cu (3.68), Pb (21.24), Zn (0.82) and Hg (5.29), respectively. The environmental risk assessment developed throughout the PERI method indicated that Sb, As, Hg and Pb were the main pollutants in the study area. The three quantitative risk indicators (RI, Igeo and EF) were positively correlated, and all of them indicated that PTEs had significant pollution to the local area. Thus, Sb, As, Pb, Cu, and Hg pollution should be highly concerning. Multivariate statistical analysis shows that the pollution of PTEs was mainly caused by the accumulation of tailings ponds after gold mining and smelting. The research result is of great significance for the prevention and control of soil pollution of PTEs near the tailings pond.

Use of Triple-Exposure X-ray Computed Tomography for Nondestructive Identification of Heavy Elements in Soil Samples

ABSTRACT For the purpose of the nondestructive measurements of hazardous heavy-element-containing substances in soil samples, the emerging technique, triple-exposure X-ray computed tomography (CT), is proposed. The use of triple exposure (i.e. three different acceleration voltages for the X-ray tube) improves the accuracy of the identification of the atomic number of a heavy element. With lead as the target element, virtual X-ray microtomography simulations utilizing a polychromatic X-ray source accelerated at 70, 100, and 140 kV were performed. CT images for the three voltages were reconstructed on a computer for clayey soil samples with heavy-element-containing natural minerals, namely galena (PbS), witherite (BaCO3), stibnite (Sb2S3), sphalerite (ZnS), and magnetite (Fe3O4). Quantitative analysis of the reconstructed CT images was performed to obtain the following results. (i) Galena can be distinguished from other heavy minerals (i.e. witherite, stibnite, sphalerite, and magnetite). (ii) The lead content in the clayey soil can be estimated with reasonable accuracy. These successful results demonstrate that the triple-exposure CT technique is promising for the nondestructive characterization of soil samples contaminated with hazardous heavy elements such as lead.

Forage legumes from the Mediterranean Fynbos biome of South Africa with potential for domestication: slope aspect affects tissue fibre and mineral composition

Fabaceae plants contribute greatly to a high quality of pasture in rangelands, because of high levels of protein in their tissues. Despite this established importance, only a few southern African legumes have been evaluated for nutritional value and domestication. The Overberg renosterveld vegetation of the Fynbos biome occupies undulating landscapes that have multiple slope aspects, creating variable microclimatic conditions affecting nutrient dynamics, species richness and plant chemical compositions. We assessed the effect of slope aspect on fiber and mineral composition of forage species present to provide information on the importance of slope for species characterization and nutritional value for domestication. Tissue samples from six replicates of the same species occurring on opposing aspects were collected for nutritional assessment. Results on the data showed that fibre and mineral composition differed in species occurring on different slopes, albeit with few exceptions. The concentrations of P, K and Mg in some species were significantly higher on the cooler and wetter south facing slopes relative to north facing slopes. Nutrient elements in soil samples collected from each site varied with slope aspects and elements. It is recommended that topography should be considered when studying forage nutritional assessments as part of future domestication programs.

ICP/XRF Analysis for Trace Elements in Soil Samples from Gezira and Suki Schemes, Sudan

In the present study, soil samples have been collected from two different agriculture areas: Gezira and Suki schemes in Sudan, The elemental concentrations for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb have been determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The accuracy of measurements has been investigated by using ISE (PT) 1&amp;4 and fortified samples for ICP, IAEA-Soil-7 XRF, respectively. A good agreement was found between certified and measured values.&#x0D; The average elemental concentrations by ICP of these elements Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb in loc1 were found as follows: 84.7, 48.15, 33.5, 65.43, and 12.57 ppm, respectively. While the results obtained in loc2 were found as follows: 105, 65.1, 41.3, 55.4, and 12.74 ppm, respectively. The average elemental concentrations by XRF of these elements Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb in loc1 were found as follows: 77.21, 43.72, 27.62, 86.96, and 18.74 ppm, respectively. While the results obtained in loc2 were found as follows: 123.33, 57.41, 35.99, 98.85, and 16.43 ppm, respectively.&#x0D; A statistical test (t-test) was applied to the data of both methods without any significant difference between the two techniques. The results obtained were compared to WHO permissible limits. Correlations between different elements were performed. Hierarchical cluster analysis was done for the data. The average elemental concentrations were calculated and compared with data from the literature.

Study on Speciation Chemical Analysis of Rare Earth Elements in Soil Based on Green Environmental Technology

The impact of rare earth elements on the soil environment is not only related to its total amount, but also more closely related to its chemical form. The green and environmentally friendly acid digestion and morphological continuous extraction methods were used to extract and analyze the total amount of rare earth elements and the forms of rare earth elements in the soil samples. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine the content of rare earth elements and the content of rare earth elements in the soil samples. Form content. The results show that the content of rare earth elements in the collected soil samples is 200-1418mg/kg, and the content of light rare earth elements is much higher than that of heavy rare earth elements; the recovery rate of the sum of the combined forms of rare earth elements relative to the total amount is 88.2% to 110%, indicating that the continuous extraction method is suitable for the analysis of rare earth elements in soil samples. The rare earth elements in soil samples mainly exist in the residue state, which is 33%-80%; the co-precipitation state of crystalline iron and manganese hydroxide is 10%-31%; the adsorption state of humus and amorphous oxide is 5.0%-18%; The exchange state and the carbonate combined state are 4.0% to 23%; the amorphous iron-manganese oxide co-precipitation state is less than 3%. The influence of the location of the sampling point and the nature of rare earth elements on the content of rare earth elements was analysed, and the influence of soil properties on the distribution of morphology was discussed.

Existence, extraction, and behaviour of some elements in the system of water - soil – plant

ABSTRACT To study the behaviour of some element ions between plants and their soil, in addition to irrigation water, three types of plant species (aromatic, fodder and vegetables) were selected for this purpose due to their importance (mint, ocimum, alfalfa and eggplant). Two extracts from plant and soil samples (aqua regia and ammonium acetate) were analysed using AAS. The results showed high concentration of elements in plant leaves, followed by roots and stems. Iron showed the highest concentration of elements for all parts of plants. High concentrations of nickel and cadmium were detected in the soil, as well as in the plants and in irrigation water, this shows the close relationship between the three components. Zinc exhibited high bioaccumulation coefficient in most plant parts, but iron exhibited highest accumulation coefficient values in roots of studied vegetables. On the other side, the accumulation coefficient of Pb and Cd are the least in all plants. Most concentrations of the elements in soil samples are lower than those permitted in different countries. The results of the study illustrate the urgent need to analyse the soil of the agricultural lands and choose the appropriate plants to protect the public health.

A comparison of different calibration strategies for the trace analysis of soil samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

The National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) is expanding its capabilities in the field of the analysis of trace and ultra-trace levels of toxic and minor elements in environmental samples, with a special focus on soils to support projects of the University of Pretoria (UP) in the field of veterinary geology for the One Health Platform. The most accurate calibration strategy developed by the laboratory involves double isotope dilution analysis, where a stable isotope standard of the element of interest is used as the ideal internal standard. External calibration is the most commonly used calibration strategy for elemental analysis. To reduce the impact of instrumental drift on the accuracy of the measurement results, nominally the same amount of an internal standard is added to the samples and the standards. Standard addition is a calibration strategy that could eliminate the issue of matrix effects for trace and ultra-trace elemental analysis, because the calibration standards are added as spikes to aliquots of the sample to prepare the calibration curve. The purpose of the study was to compare the results obtained for the analysis of trace elements in soil samples using the calibration strategies of isotope dilution analysis; gravimetric external calibration with gravimetric internal standardisation; as well as gravimetric standard addition with gravimetric internal standardisation. The aim was to show that the application of gravimetric preparation to the more routine calibration approaches of external calibration and standard addition could achieve very comparable results and associated measurement uncertainties to isotope dilution analysis. The application of gravimetric sample preparation could assist routine laboratories, that have significant resource constraints, to improve the accuracy of their measurement results. These approaches could also be used in the experimental homogeneity and stability studies required for the production of reference materials, where high precision methods are required.

Atmospheric pressure glow discharge optical emission spectrometry coupled with laser ablation for direct solid quantitative determination of Zn, Pb, and Cd in soils

A device utilizing atmospheric pressure glow discharge as the second excitation source coupled with laser ablation (LA) for direct solid sampling was developed, with few operating costs and low gas consumption. This new device was first utilized for the highly sensitive determination of Zn, Pb, and Cd elements in complex matrix soil samples. It also provided a new method for monitoring these three trace elements in soil samples. Good linearity was observed in the quantitative results for Zn, Pb, and Cd detection, and the respective linear correlation coefficients (R2) were 0.9953, 0.9897, and 0.9961. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.68, 2.71, and 0.31 mg kg−1 were achieved for Zn, Pb, and Cd, respectively; the LOD of Zn reduced by more than one order of magnitude compared to that observed in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy results. In addition, the quantitative analysis results showed good agreement with the certified values and those obtained of ICP optical emission spectrometry, proving the detection accuracy and practicability of the developed device.

Applications of laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy for soil characterization, part II: Review of elemental analysis and soil classification

AbstractIn‐field soil health assessments, including plant nutrients and toxic elements, are needed and could improve the sustainability of agriculture production. Among the available analytical techniques for these analyses, laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has become one of the most promising techniques for real‐time soil analysis at low cost and without the need for reagents. The first part of this two‐part review (Part I, Villas‐Boas, P.R., de Franco, M.A., Gollany, H.T., Martin‐Neto, L. &amp; Milori, D.M.B.P. 2019. Applications of laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy for soil characterization, Part I: Review of Fundamentals and Chemical and Physical Properties.) in this issue focused on the fundamentals of LIBS for soil analysis and its use for soil chemical and physical characterization. Our objectives in this review article (Part II) are to review (a) the main applications of LIBS in the determination of soil carbon (C), nutrients and toxic elements, spatial elemental mapping, and (b) its use in soil classification. Traditional and more recent techniques will be compared to LIBS, considering their advantages and disadvantages. Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy is a promising, versatile technique for detecting many elements in soil samples, requires little or no sample preparation, takes only a few seconds per sample, and has a low cost per sample compared to other techniques. However, overcoming matrix effects is a challenge for LIBS applications in soil analysis, because most studies are conducted with limited changes in the matrix. In spite of the limitation of matrix effects, a typical LIBS system has a limit of detection of 0.3, 0.6, 4, 7, 10, 18, 46 and 89 mg kg−1for Mo, Cu, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, K and Ca, respectively. Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy holds potential for real‐time in‐field spatial elemental analysis of soils and practical applications in precision farming with proper calibration. This could lead to immediate diagnoses of contaminated soil and inefficient nutrient supplies and facilitate well‐informed soil management, increasing agricultural production while minimizing environmental impacts.HighlightsLaser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a fast analytical technique with great potential for elemental mapping of soils.Elemental analyses of soil and plants and soil classification by LIBS are reviewed.Soil and rhizosphere spatial elemental analyses by LIBS are presented.LIBS advantages, limitations and challenges are discussed for soil elemental analysis.

Geochemical evaluation of land use at a medieval harbor site in Masuda City, Chugoku region, Japan

A large-scale Medieval harbor site has been recently discovered at Nakazu-Higashihara in Masuda City, Chugoku region, Japan. The Medieval harbor site is divided into north and south areas. The concentration of 22 elements in soil samples from the north of the harbor site was determined in order to identify the geochemical signatures of the Medieval harbor site. The evidence described in the north area is an example of identification of both natural and anthropogenic processes that lead to geochemical variations within the archaeological soils. The north area of the site contains silt and sandy soils characterized by highest concentration of Zr and relatively low levels of most other elements (except for Sr and TS). Negative or weak positive correlations between TiO2 and MnO, and CaO and P2O5 in the north area indicate that this association of elements represents an ancient anthropogenic signature, especially related to residential sites in all soil types. Correlation between TiO2 and Ni, Y, Nb, Zr, Th, and Fe2O3 did not reflect the anthropogenic history. However, these elements and their ratios can be used to identify sources, as well as to establish baseline concentration of other elements which are influenced by anthropogenic and detrital inputs.

Improving the spectral qualities of major elements in soil by controlling the ambient pressure in time-resolved laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a powerful tool in the soil monitoring field, but the poor spectral quality limits its application. To improve the spectral quality of major elements in soil samples, a method based on controlling the ambient pressure and time sequence was introduced. Spectral qualities that include signal-to-background ratio (SBR), spectral stability, and spectral profile were all studied in different ambient pressures and delay times. The results show that the SBRs of Na and K elements increased from 20 to about 300, when the air pressure and delay time were controlled. Meanwhile, the relative standard deviations were improved from more than 30% to less than 5% due to the release of the self-absorption effect. This work proved that the spectral qualities of LIBS can be improved a lot by controlling the ambient pressure in the field of detecting major elements in soil.

Water as a mild extractant of metals and metalloids from the samples of the selected certified reference materials and subsequent multi-elemental quantification by ICP-AES

An assessment of mobility and bioavailability of trace elements present in the soil requires the determination of these elements in soil samples by an appropriate methodology. In such a context, the use of mild extraction reagents-such as water-is considered to be appropriate. On the other hand, performing an analysis of a reference material together with real samples is recommended in order to control the quality of analytical procedure. The quantification of 27 analytes in aqueous extracts of the soil CRMs samples is described. The methodology consisted of single-step extraction of analytes by deionized water (m/v = 1/10) with their subsequent direct determination by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Three certified reference materials (CRM) for soils have been selected as model samples: NCS DC 77302 (alias GBW 07410), Metranal-31, and Metranal-33. Although the recoveries of the selected elements obtained by water extractions are very low (i.e., the values usually do not exceed 1%), the results obtained in this study reveal the elements that by means of ICP-OES can be quantified in the water extracts of unpolluted soils are as follows: Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, S, Sr, Ti, and V. However, ICP-OES is not sensitive enough to quantify the elements As, Be, Cd, Co, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, and Zn that are present in the water extracts of clean soil samples in too low mass fractions. The results obtained in this paper are useful for future uses of the three tested CRMs, in the cases of the extraction of the analytes by deionized water at room temperature.

Chemical characterization of urban park soils of the metropolitan region of São Paulo

In the last years, urban soils have been increasingly subject of investigations concerning their description and composition. In several important cities all over the world, urban soils show a significant increase in metal levels, due to the rise of pollution originated from continuous urbanization and industrial development. This metal contamination can disturb the natural geochemical cycles and their depending ecosystems. The expected population growth during the next decades will concentrate in urban areas, which are already the predominant human habitat. Metal contamination is a key issue in São Paulo City, the biggest urban agglomeration in Latin America. There has been little research on metal levels in São Paulo urban soils and almost nothing related to the city’s parks. The present study presents the concentration of major and trace elements in soil samples of nine parks of the metropolitan region of São Paulo. Top soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected in lines across the parks in order to have representative samples of the entire park. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) were used for whole elemental analysis. The outcome of this study showed that the soils of the public parks studied presented, in general, concentration levels higher than the reference values for soils in São Paulo State. For As, V and Ni, which showed significant enrichment factors in relation to reference values, there is an indication of anthropogenic source. Cluster analysis grouped the elements Zn, Sb, Pb and Cu, well known as traffic-related elements, which may indicate a vehicular source.

Heavy metal tolerance of Pontechium maculatum (Boraginaceae) from several ultramafic localities in Serbia

Pontechium maculatum, a facultative metallophyte, was collected from four ultramafic localities in Serbia and analysed in terms of micro- and macroelement accumulation. The aim of the study was to reveal trace element profiles and differences in uptake and translocation of heavy metals in populations growing under heavy metal stress. The concentrations of major and trace elements in soil samples (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, Co, Cd) and in plant tissues (Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, Co, Cd) are presented. The results of our analysis indicate that P. maculatum efficiently absorbs Zn and Cr, while for most of the other elements accumulation levels fit in the range of values obtained for several other species from ultramafic localities on the Balkan Peninsula.

Application of the portable spectrometer XRF for the determination of content of some metals in soil: A case study from Holy Cross Mountains (Central Poland)

The analysis of chemical composition using the portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (p-XRF) is recently rapidly developing instrumental research method. This method was applied to analyze the content of selected elements in soil samples from the Strużna region of the Holy Cross Mountains. The Olympus Delta Premium p-XRF spectrometer (4W Ta anode X ray tube, 40 kV, 200 μA current beam, “soil” mode, 135 seconds) was used. Prior to analyze the soil samples, the NIST 2710a and NIST 2711a reference standards were utilized in order to calibrate the p-XRF spectrometer. The maps showing obtained results of K, Ca, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, As and Pb were constructed using the SURFER 7.0 software with kriging procedure. The obtained results show arithmetic means similar to the previously obtained using traditional methods of chemical analysis for the soils of Holy Cross Mountains. These results combined with the high accuracy of measurements obtained by using the p-XRF Olympus Delta X spectrometer proved this device to be the effective tool for environmental and geochemical studies.

Содержания редкоземельных элементов и тяжелых металлов в пробах почв и снега

The problem related to urban districts’ ecological and geochemical assessment due to the growth of environment’s technogenic pollution is becoming more and more important. The urban population is practically not protected from the constantly increasing exposure to toxic elements coming from solid, liquid and gaseous wastes of the city transport and manufactures located both in Moscow and in Moscow Region. Soils and snow samples on the territory of natural reserve «The Setun River’s Valley» have been analyzed with the aim of determining the contents of rare-earth elements and heavy metals by the method of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Variations in concentrations of rare-earth elements, heavy metals and indicator relationships of elements in soil samples and in snow’s solid fractions have been revealed. Has been established a chaotic distribution of rare-earth elements and heavy metals in soils, as well as a decrease of some elements’ content in snow’s solid fractions at the northeastern direction. The level of seasonal atmospheric pollution for the investigated territory has been estimated, and its possible source has been identified.