Total Content and Profile Distribution of Heavy Metals in the Affected Soils

5 Total Content and Profile Distribution of Heavy Metals in the Affected Soils 

The analysis of results obtained from this research did not give an answer whether or not the heavy metals from metallurgical sources migrate downwards in the soil profile. In order to examine all possible evidence for or against such an elemental migration, selected undisturbed soil profiles, down to a depth of 150 cm, were analysed for heavy metals in relation to other soil properties. Some results, representative for all profiles examined, are illustrated in Fig. 6.3. It can be easily seen that a strong accumulation of metals occurred in upper horizons, close to the 

The field approach based on metal distribution within soil profiles did not give a clear answer whether or not heavy metals were leached downwards from the surface layers. The negative result of long-term field monitoring prompted a new approach to the problem, i.e. the determination of the chemical forms of heavy metals in soils and their changes under controlled conditions. 

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