Soil, lead from smelting

Plants readily accumulate lead from soils of low pH or low organic content however, uptake is significantly reduced after the application of lime or phosphate, which converts lead to hydroxides, carbonates, or phosphates of relatively low solubility (Demayo et al. 1982). Lead persists for lengthy periods in forest litter the estimated Tb 1/2 is 220 years (Turner et al. 1985). High levels of lead persisted for at least 6 years in litter, soil, amphibians, and mammals after zinc smelting was discontinued in Palmerton, Pennsylvania (Storm et al. 1994). Lead seems to be tightly bound by... 

The cultivar seeds were sown in pots filled with contaminated soil prepared from the Warynski zinc smelter site. The Warynski smelter is located near the town of Piekary Slqskie and 15 km northwest of the major population center of Katowice [pop. 345,000] (Central Statistical Office, 1999). The site is owned by the Orzel Bialy Mining Metallurgical Works, S.A. and over 1.3 million people live within a 15 km radius of this site. Zinc and lead ore smelters operated at the site from 1927 until 1990. During this activity period, the smelters produced approximately 3,500,000 tons of mixed lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) waste, deposited in piles spread across a 60 hectare site. Although limited recyclable smelting activity continues at the site, the Piekary Slaskie municipal authorities are interested in redeveloping the land for alternative industrial purposes. 

EXPOSURE ROUTES leaded gasoline combustion combustion of solid waste, coal, and oils emissions from iron and steel production lead smelters tobacco smoke food and soil lead-based paints flaking paint paint chips weathered paint powder drinking water pipes, solder, and fixtures lead smelting and refining industries steel and iron factories gasoline stations battery manufacturing plants... 

Palmer KT, Kucera CL. 1980. Lead contamination of sycamore and soil from lead mining and smelting operations in eastern Missouri. Journal of Environmental Quality 9 106-111. 

Respirable particulate or gaseous forms of lead may be inhaled. Sources include cigarette smoke vehicle exhaust emissions from municipal waste incinerators, iron and steel plants, smelting and refining operations, lead acid battery manufacturing facilities, and sandblasting and burning of surfaces coated with lead paint. Particulate air emissions may eventually deposit and contaminate the soil. 

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