Accumulation of heavy metals in a lake ecosystem

The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb and Co have been determined in water, bottom sediments, plankton, zoobenthos and ichthyofauna of mesotropic Lake Piaseczno located in eastern Poland. In water, sediments, plankton and benthos the most abundant heavy metals were Fe, Zn and Mn, whereas in fish Zn, Cu, and Mn were most abundant. The amount of heavy metals in the biotic components was dependent upon their concentration in water and partly upon the concentration in bottom sediments. A considerably less important role in the translocation of heavy metals is probably played by trophic interactions.     

A comparison of native and transplanted Fontinalis antipyretica Hedw. as biomonitors of water polluted with heavy metals

Native and transplanted mosses of the species Fontinalis antipyretica were studied to assess their capacity as biomonitors of heavy metals. Assays were carried out with transplanted mosses (sampled from an unpolluted control stream) exposed for 60 days to five streams polluted with heavy metals. At the same time, native mosses were collected from the exposure sites. Concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were determined in the mosses (native and transplants), stream waters, and sediments of both exposure and control sites. The results showed that the transplanted mosses accumulated significantly more Al, Cr, Cu, Pb, V, and Zn than the native mosses. The concentrations of Co and Mn in all streams were significantly higher in the native mosses.     

Dissolved and particulate metal chemistry of the Central and Eastern Basins of Lake Erie

Dissolved and particulate forms of Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in the Central and Eastern Basins of Lake Erie during May, August and September 1978.No temporal or spatial differences in the average concentrations of dissolved Cu, Ni, Al and Fe were observed between May and September. In contrast, Mn and Zn showed significant seasonal variations with Mn having distinct concentration maxima in both basins during September. This behaviour is attributed to net release of Mn and Zn from the bottom sediments.Phytoplankton activity is shown to be important in causing large increases (1.8–5.4 times the concentrations in May) in particulate elemental concentrations during the bloom periods. The removal of Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn from the water column is mediated by the decay of plankton populations.     

Elemental composition of ancient Japanese bones

Excavated bones (rib) obtained from 50 sites in Japan were measured by ICP atomic emission spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry for concentration of 19 elements, including Al, B, Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn. One hundred and forty-one specimens were classified into five groups according to Japanese prehistoric and historic eras (Jomon, Yayoi, Kofun, Kamakura and Muromachi, and Edo). The elements, with concentrations which showed no significant change with era were Al, B and Cr. Average concentrations of Ca were in the range 2-2.5 X 10(-1) g g-1 and those of P ranged from 1.1 to 1.3 X 10(-1) g g-1, indicating a well-preserved bone mineral matrix. The Ca/P ratio (mol/mol) was lowest in the Edo group--1.48 as compared with 1.54-1.66 in the other groups. Among the elements which showed changes with era were Pb, Fe, Co and Mn, all of which showed remarkably elevated concentrations in the Edo group. In addition to this unique elemental composition of Edo bones, samples from the Kofun era showed a completely different composition from those of other periods, i.e. they had the highest concentrations of Cd, Zn and Mg, and the lowest concentrations of Cu, K, Ni and Sr. The cause of the elevated Pb concentration in Edo bones is discussed in relation to human activities which may have led to environmental Pb pollution.     

Application of high Cu compost to Swiss chard and basil

A greenhouse container experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of high Cu compost on basil and Swiss chard productivity, and the accumulation of As, Ca, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Na, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, S and Se in growth medium and plant tissue. The Cu content of the compost was over 1200 mg/kg, much higher than Canadian standards for type B compost quality. The treatments consisted of control soil (0% compost), and 20, 40 and 60% (by volume) of high Cu compost added to soil. All compost application treatments (20, 40 and 60%) resulted in increased dry matter yields in Swiss chard and basil. Addition of high Cu compost influenced basil plant development. Plants from the 20 and 40% treatments had higher numbers of buds and flowers. There were no differences between the control and 60% compost treatments with respect to flower initiation. Addition of 20, 40 and 60% compost to the soil resulted in increased EXCH fractions of Cu, but not of Mn and Zn. Compost additions resulted in increase in the HNO(3) extractable, CARB, FeMnOX, and in OM fractions of Cu, Mn and Zn in soils. Compost application increased soil pH and EC, soil HNO(3) extractable Ca, K, Mg, P, Na, B and Pb, but did not alter soil HNO(3) extractable Cd, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Se. Increased rates of compost application decreased tissue Ca in basil, tissue Na in both plants, increased tissue K, Mg in both plants, but, did not alter tissue P, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni of either plants, and B in basil. Tissue As, Hg, Pb, and Se from all treatments were under the detection limits of VGA-AAS (for As, Hg, Se) and ICP (for Pb). Compost additions altered basil oil chemical composition. Copper in the essential oil of basil was below 0.25 mg/l. In conclusion, the addition of high rates of relatively immature high Cu compost may not always increase Cu concentration in plants and in plant oils.     

Concentration and fate of trace metals in Mekong River delta

In the Mekong River delta and its associated coastal zone trace elements concentrations (Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb) were measured in the dissolved phase (DP) during dry (March 1997) and wet (October 1997) seasons. As, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Al were also measured in suspended matter (SM) and total and organic carbon, trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and macro elements in superficial sediments (S). Trace metal concentrations in DP and SM during the contrasting hydrological conditions were generally found within the range observed for uncontaminated environment. The average DP concentrations (nM) in the river for March and October are: Cd 0.03 and 0.09, Cu 15 and 14, Ni 7.8 and 8.4, Pb 0.51 and 0.50, respectively. In general there is no significant difference between the concentrations observed during dry and wet season. The evolution of the DP trace metal concentration in the surface water within the salinity gradient suggests no noticeable exchange between the particulate and dissolved phase. This result is in good agreement with those observed in most plume structures studied so far. The average concentrations in the SM (microg/g) (March, October) at the river end-member are: As (24; 11), Co (17; 9), Cr (49; 29), Ni (32; 18), Pb (42; 19) and Al (113,000; 67,000), respectively. All trace elements show higher concentrations in March than in October, with an average increase of two times. This is essentially related to grain size effect since smaller particles were supplied during dry season. These differences are not reflected in the mixing zone, which integrates the seasonal variations. The concentration of major elements (C total, C organic, Si, Al, Ca, K, Fe, Mg, Ti), trace elements (Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, Cd, Hg) in superficial sediments, show similar values during the two seasons and does not show any important variation with depth, indicating either a very fast sedimentation rate and/or the absence of any significant contamination.     

Assessment of metal mobility in dredged harbour sediments from Barcelona, Spain

In order to assess heavy metal mobility in dredged harbour sediments, six superficial sediment samples covering a range of pollution levels and environments were collected in Barcelona Harbour. Samples were characterised in terms of major compounds (Al, Ca, Fe, Mn, Si, Ti, Mg, K and Na); total C, N and S contents; organic matter; and water content. Pseudo-total trace metal contents were assessed after aqua regia digestion (ISO 11466:1995). The modified BCR three-step sequential extraction procedure (BCR-SEP) was applied, and both major compounds (Al, Ca, Fe and Mn) and trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined in the different extracts. Both the pseudo-total digestion method and the BCR-SEP were validated using two sediment certified materials from lakes (BCR CRM 701 and BCR CRM 601). The highest metal concentrations were observed in one of the sampling points which receives an urban discharge. The observed mobility order (percentage of metal extracted in the first step) of the six trace metals studied was Cd>Zn>Pb>Cu>Ni>Cr. The good agreement observed with the results obtained as the sum of the four steps (extractable+residue) and the pseudo-total content shows that laboratory working conditions were under control.     

Heavy-metal pollution of sediments from Szczecin Lagoon and the Gdansk Basin, Poland

Concentrations of Al, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Pb, Th, U, REE, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Si, P, S, Ti, Cr and Ba were determined in the <63 microm fraction of bottom sediments of the Szczecin Lagoon and the Gdansk Basin, Baltic Sea, by ICP-MS, ICP-AES and XRF methods. Sediment samples from the Szczecin Lagoon displayed somewhat higher concentrations of P, Mn, Cr, Cu and possibly Cd, Pb and Zn in those collected in October 1997 after the exceptional flooding of the Oder River than in those collected in December 2000. The data suggest that the flood resulted in the enhanced transport of redox-sensitive and anthropogenic elements in the Oder River and their subsequent redeposition mainly in the western part of Szczecin Lagoon. The sediments of the Szczecin Lagoon also appear to be the most polluted with heavy metals within the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Baltic Sea. Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu are anthropogenically enriched in top layers of sediment cores from the Gdansk Basin, but the decrease of these elements with depth in the core is not systematic. The rare earth element (REE) patterns in sediments from both these areas do not appear to have been greatly modified during transport from their source into the southern Baltic. Factor analysis (FA) of the compositional data shows that sediments from Szczecin Lagoon can be divided into three main groups depending on their composition. It is concluded that clay minerals and organic matter build aggregates and flocs, which effectively concentrate trace metals and sink down to form a 'fluffy layer'.     

Metal concentrations in a shallow groundwater aquifer underneath petrochemical complex

Duplicate groundwater samples were collected from 104 monitoring wells (piezometers) from shallow aquifers underneath an industrial city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, Zn, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, SO₄, alkalinity, salinity, total dissolved salts, and pH were determined in these samples. Analysis of variance showed significantly (p < 0.05) wide variations in the concentrations of the above parameters. The contour maps of metal concentrations indicated that these variations were related to important landmarks in the study area. The results of correlation analyses suggest that geographical as well as chemical factors may influence metal distribution in the groundwater samples. To investigate the geographical effects, the analytical data were normalized (element/Cl ratios were calculated) for chemical variability. As expected, contour mapping of the ratio data of element/Cl of Na, Ca, Mg, K, SO₄, alkalinity, salinity, total dissolved salts, and Sr vary in a relatively small range and did not show a particular geographical trend. The groundwater sample from the industrial-dust area contained higher ratios between concentrations of Cl and Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn. These observations clearly suggest an extraneous contamination source, probably industrial dust, in the area. Another geographical area where metal (As, Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Ti,and V)/Cl ratios were found to be large was in the vicinity of an oil-refinery. Groundwater samples collected from the vicinity of a fertilizer plant and green-belt area contained relatively higher ratios of Al, Cd, Cr, Co, and Ni. The results of this study suggest that leachate from the industrial dust, leakage from the oil refinery and fertilizer plant, and drainage of irrigation water are some of the important pollution sources in the industrial city.     

Anthropogenic contamination and risk assessment of heavy metals in stream sediments influenced by acid mine drainage from a northeast coalfield,India

The total concentrations and chemical partitioning of heavy metals in streambed sediments, collected around the Jaintia Hills coal deposit of northeast India, were studied using pollution indices and multivariate techniques to evaluate the risk and contamination levels from heavy metals and their possible origins. Results show that sediments close to mining sites have low pH (<4), high organic carbon, and contain significant amounts of Fe-oxyhydroxide phases (mainly, goethite and schwertmannite), which implies direct impact of coal mine drainage. The average concentrations of Fe, Cu, Co, Cd, Cr, and Zn exceeded the World average, and in some cases, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Cr concentrations exceeded the threshold effects level, which suggests they will be toxic to aquatic biota. Contamination factors (CF) show that the sediments are low to highly contaminated with Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, Fe, and Zn and low to moderately contaminated with Co, Cr and Ni. The pollution load index (PLI), degree of contamination index (C _deg) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) show that the sediments are moderately to highly contaminated, with the extent of pollution greatest nearest to the collieries. The potential ecological risk index (RI) shows low to considerable ecological risk from heavy metals in the sediments, with Cd having the high potential of risk, which also agrees with the risk assessment code (RAC). Multivariate statistical analysis suggests that the concentrations of the heavy metals in stream sediments are strongly influenced by Fe-oxyhydroxide phases and organic carbon derived from anthropogenic sources, mainly coal mining activities. Although a significant proportion of the Cd, Mn, and Ni in the sediments are partitioned into exchangeable and organic fractions, a sizable amount of metals are also found in the Fe–Mn fraction, suggesting that Fe-oxyhydroxides play a dominant role in controlling metal mobility in these stream sediments.     

Kidney and liver levels of some major, minor and trace elements in two Ontario communities

The contents of Ag, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Sr, Th, Ti and Zn in 143 autopsied liver and kidney specimens from two Ontario communities (Kingston and Ottawa) were determined using the techniques of inductively-coupled plasma--atomic emission spectrometry, and electrothermal atomization--atomic absorption spectrometry coupled with hydride evolution (As, Se), reduction--aeration (Hg), or solvent extraction (Pb). The majority of samples came from individuals older than 50 y. In general, the data for the various elements were independent of age or sex but showed some dependence on location for elements such as Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Se and Zn. Despite these differences the elemental values of the liver and kidney samples from both the communities were within the normal range.     

Use of numerical taxonomy for comparison of metal pollution in the environment

Numerical taxonomy has been applied to explain the behaviour of macroconstituents (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd) in different ecological sections (mollucs, plants, rain, drv deposition, soils, airborne dust, lixiviates through soils, springs) in the industrialized area near Bilbao (Spain). Distances based on correlation coefficients and mean Euclidean distances have been used for drawing dendrograms of metals and sections. Three types of effects may be distinguished, due to potassium, other macrocomponents (Na, Ca, Mg) and heavy metals as a result of the accumulation of these constituents in specific sections of the environment.     

Species of dissolved metals derived from oligotrophic hard water

By fractioning of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and of associated metals Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn according to the molecular sizes by means of gel chromatography in several stages, it could be shown that all metals, even the alkaline and alkaline earth metals, are, to a measurable degree, present in chelated form. This type of association covers 97.3% with Pb, 94.6% with Al, 91.5% with Cr, 82.2% with Fe of the total concentrations of each metal mentioned. About 69% of all metal chelates are represented by Mg-compounds. This may be caused by pre-treatment procedures, nevertheless the Mg-concentrations of the different DOC-fractions indicating to be one regulating factor for the uptake of other metals in the studied hard water. The chelated form was also obtained with Mn, Cd, Zn, and Mg, while with Cu, Ni, Na, Ca, and K there is an abundance of ionic forms.The metal distribution within the different molecular size fractions of the DOC proves the existence of specific distribution pattern for Pb and Mn: Pb is preferably chelated by macromolecular substances, whereas Mn combines mainly with minor ones. Cr seems to behave similar as Pb. Regulation' mechanisms for the different metal distribution patterns within the DOC-fractions as well as ecophysiological aspects of the results are discussed.     

Natural attenuation processes in two water reservoirs receiving acid mine drainage

Characteristics of water profiles and sulphide formation processes in sediments were studied in two water reservoirs affected by acid mine drainage in order to investigate the mechanisms controlling the physical and chemical processes that, under favourable conditions, act to reduce the toxicity, mobility and concentration of metals and metalloids in the water column. Water columns and pore-waters from sediments were analysed for Fe species, trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cr), sulphide, sulphate and bicarbonate. Inorganic reduced sulphur compounds (acid volatile sulphur, pyrite sulphur and elemental sulphur) and reactive Fe were determined in the sediments. A sequential extraction was also performed. Both reservoirs behave like holomictic and monomictic lakes, with a summer thermal stratification that disappears during winter. pH values between 4 and 7 can be observed along the water columns. Pore-water concentrations of up to 25 mg/l of Fe, 4 mg/l of Al, 1.3 mg/l of Zn, 170 µg/l of Pb, 11 µg/l of As, etc. have been found. The results suggest that toxic elements such as Cu, Zn, Co, Pb, Cr, As, etc. are mainly found in the bioavailable fraction which is the most hazardous for the environment. The calculated degree of sulphidization (DOS) and degree of pyritization (DOP) values indicates that removal of trace elements from anoxic pore-waters occurs by coprecipitation and/or adsorption on newly formed Fe sulphides (framboidal pyrite), attenuating the contamination. However oxidation of the sediments during turnover periods also occurs, which releases toxic elements back into the water column.     

Dietary intake of metals by Mumbai adult population

Daily intake of 12 metals (Na, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Mg, Pb, Cd, Co and Ni) by Mumbai adult population were assessed by analysing duplicate diet samples. These metals were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and stripping voltammetric techniques. A total of 250 diet samples containing 170 vegetarian diet and 80 non-vegetarian diet collected during April 2003 to March 2004 were analysed during this study. Daily dietary intakes of 2.4 g Na and 1.2 g K were observed for Mumbai adults. Daily dietary intakes of Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Mg were 367, 1.0, 6.3, 6.7, 2.0 and 304 mg, respectively. Pb, Cd, Co and Ni intakes by Mumbai adults were 32.3, 2.2, 2.2 and 108 microg/day, respectively. From this study it has been observed that the intake of toxic metals such as Pb, Cd and Ni is much lower than the tolerable daily intake derived from PTWI given by FAO/WHO and could not be considered harmful in this group of subjects. Daily intake of the studied 12 metals was found to be higher in non-vegetarian diet compared to the vegetarian diet (P<0.02, 0.01).     

Mineralogy and geochemistry of donax shells along the mediterranean coast of Egypt

Donax is an edible and very popular seafood along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. A lot of pockets composed of empty Donax shells are on the shoreline among many areas along the coast. Some major (Ba, Ca), minor (Mg and Sr) and trace (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sb and Zn) elements were determined in the Donax shells as a carbonate source. In addition, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were measured in both the soft tissue and the sediment as well.     

Determination of mineral and trace elements in some medicinal herbs and their infusions consumed in Turkey

Fourteen mineral and trace elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn) were determined in the herbs and their infusions consumed for medical purposes in Turkey such as chamomile (Matricaria chammomile L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), linden (Tilia vulgaris), nettle (Urtica dioical), rosehip (Fr.Rosa caninae), sage (Salvia officinalis) and senna tea (Cassia anqustifolia). Microwave digestion procedure was applied under optimized conditions for dissolution of medicinal herbs. Element concentrations in the medicinal herbs and their infusions were determined by FAAS and ICP-AES. The accuracy and precision were verified against a GBW 07605 Poplar leaves and Tea certified reference material. The mineral and trace element content of medicinal herbs and their infusions showed a wide variability. However, distribution of the elements in the infusions is not high and it is nil especially for Cd, Co, Cr and Pb.     

Partitioning of trace metals before and after biological removal of metals from sediments

Metal removal by biological solubilization in three strongly contaminated sediments was carried out in a two-liter stirred bioreactor. Biological treatment yielded metal removal efficiencies in the range of 11-30%, 43-57%, 60-79%, 61-90%, 18-21%, 0-10% for Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni and Cr, respectively. The treated sediments were then rinsed with a NaCl solution (0.5 M), resulting in an increase by nearly 47% in Pb removal for the three sediments, while for other metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr), the NaCl rinse did not seem to allow any significant increase in metal solubilization. A standard procedure of sequential selective extraction (SSE) was applied to the sediments before and after each treatment. With regard to Pb, Zn and Cd, the carbonate bound fractions (2/3 sediments) represented 18-42% of metals prior to treatment, while the iron and manganese oxides bound fraction constituted 39-60% of metals for the three sediments. Between 90 and 100% of Pb, Zn and Cd removed by the process came from the fractions bound to carbonates and from those bound to Fe and Mn oxides. The organic matter and sulfide bound fractions contained 65-72% of total Cu present before treatment and the process removed, on average, 63% Cu present in this fraction. In contrast, Ni and Cr were found mainly in the residual fractions (50-80%). Finally, this biological treatment did not solubilize Cr appreciably, while removal of Ni mostly originated from the carbonate and Fe/Mn oxides fractions (70-80%).     

Trace metals in Shatt al-Arab River,Iraq

The distribution of 10 trace metals Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn have been determined along the northern section of the Shatt al-Arab River, Iraq. Analyses were carried out, employing a flameless AAS instrument. The mean concentrations of the dissolved species were as follows (expressed in μg l^?1): 0.25 Cd, 0.9 Cu, 716 Fe, 1.3 Mn, 0.3 Pb, 0.2 V and 1.8 Zn. Mean concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in the particulate matter were 55.2, 6.0, 188, 77, 31 472, 1731, 3807, 93, 207 and 77 μg g^?1 respectively. In the exchangeable fraction of the sediment were 0.15, 5.5, 11.1, 11.9, 1625, 482, 42, 30.5, 25.7 and 6 μg g^?1, whereas in the residual were 0.025, 11.5, 96.1, 22, 5176, 258, 613, 3.9, 162 and 56.8 μg g^?1 respectively. Thus, the exchangeable trace metals represent the following mean percentage of the total; 75% Cd, 33% Co, 10% Cr, 34% Cu, 24% Fe, 63% Mn, 7% Ni, 74% Pb, 14% V and 23% Zn. The concentration of Ni and V were relatively high, this was attributed to the petroleum-rich deposits of the region. The concentrations observed for other metals were lower or equal to those reported for control sites except for Pb which was slightly higher. The data obtained were subjected to simple linear regression analysis and expressed in the form of correlation coefficients. It was found that the inter-elemental relationships are rather complex.     

Comparison of the element composition in several plant species and their substrate from a 1500000-km2 area in Northern Europe.

Leaves of 9 different plant species (terrestrial moss represented by: Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi; and 7 species of vascular plants: blueberry, Vaccinium myrtillus; cowberry, Vaccinium titis-idaea; crowberry, Empetrum nigrum; birch, Betula pubescens; willow, Salix spp.; pine, Pinus sylvestris and spruce, Picea abies) have been collected from up to 9 catchments (size 14-50 km2) spread over a 1500000 km2 area in Northern Europe. Soil samples were taken of the O-horizon and of the C-horizon at each plant sample site. All samples were analysed for 38 elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Th, Tl, U, V, Y, Zn and Zr) by ICP-MS, ICP-AES or CV-AAS (for Hg-analysis) techniques. The concentrations of some elements vary significantly between different plants (e.g. Cd, V, Co, Pb, Ba and Y). Other elements show surprisingly similar levels in all plants (e.g. Rb, S, Cu, K, Ca, P and Mg). Each group of plants (moss, shrubs, deciduous and conifers) shows a common behaviour for some elements. Each plant accumulates or excludes some selected elements. Compared to the C-horizon, a number of elements (S, K, B, Ca, P and Mn) are clearly enriched in plants. Elements showing very low plant/C-horizon ratios (e.g. Zr, Th, U, Y, Fe, Li and Al) can be used as an indicator of minerogenic dust. The plant/O-horizon and O-horizon/C-horizon ratios show that some elements are accumulated in the O-horizon (e.g. Pb, Bi, As, Ag, Sb). Airborne organic material attached to the leaves can thus, result in high values of these elements without any pollution source.