Pedological characterisation of sites along a transect from a primary cadmium/lead/zinc smelting works

Abstract

A pedological characterisation of seven sites along a transect from a smelter at Avonmouth, UK, was undertaken. Site locations comprised a mixture of both grassland (5 sites) and oak tree dominated (2 sites) areas. Geographically, sites were either low lying or on adjacent elevated ground. Across the transect, a severe gradient of metal concentrations was found with highest values for organic soil horizons from close to the factory. Comparisons with quality standards indicate that these metal levels are likely to be a major ecological stressor. In addition to the strong metal gradient, a number of other between site differences were also observed. These were firstly water regime, which at the low lying sites close to the smelter showed influence by both, groundwater and stagnant water, while at more distant sites indicated susceptibility to stagnant water only, and secondly soil pH, which showed large between site variations, although no consistent trend along the transect. Humus forms at sites more than 1.5 km from the smelter were characteristic for the soil conditions and land-use present, while those at sites within 1.5 km showed disturbed profiles. Indeed, the humus types present at these locations suggest that the activity of soil invertebrates may be inhibited. This is almost certainly due primarily to the high concentrations of metals that were present in mineral soil and organic horizons at the sites. However, the potential influences of water regime and pH could also be relevant factors influencing the results of any further studies conducted at these study sites.