Impact of traffic on heavy metal pollution of urban soils (Lublin, Poland)
Description
Information on the heavy metals content in urban soils is important for a comprehensive assessment of environmental pollution. An important source of soil pollution can be traffic-related emissions. The objective of the study was to assess the sources and level of soil pollution in medium-sized city (Lublin, E Poland). Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in 62 samples of road dust and 90 soil samples. We applied following geochemical indices to determine the degree of pollution. PCA and CA were also used to assess sources of pollution. Geochemical indices showed the existence of medium to high pollution of dust and soils near roads by Cu and Zn and high for Cd, Cu and Zn in post-industrial soils. The results of the statistical analyses showed the same pollution sources for road dust and roadside soils. It is represented by transport-related emissions.