Concentration of Mobile Forms of Heavy Metals and Magnetic Properties of Soils in the Town of Volsk, Saratov Region, Russia

Abstract

Aim. Magnetic susceptibility is a fast, inexpensive and reliable technique for estimating and monitoring anthropogenic contamination of soil with heavy metals. However, certain factors affecting magnetic susceptibility need to be determined before applying this technique to environmental studies. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (1) the effect of parent materials and land use on magnetic susceptibility and concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn; and (2) the possible use of magnetic susceptibility as an indicator of anthropogenic heavy metals contamination of soil in the city of Volsk, Saratov region, Russia.Material and Methods. Fifty (50) composite surface soil samples (0–10 cm) were selected. 1M HNO3 extractable concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Concentrations of organic matter in the soil were determined. Magnetic susceptibility at low and high frequency (χlf and χhf) were measured and frequency dependent susceptibility (χfd) was calculated.Results. Magnetic susceptibility varied from 1.34 to 29.6 × 10−7 m3 kg−1. A positive strong correlation (P value = 0.01, r = 0.55) was obtained between Pb and χlf. Significant correlational relationships were observed between Pb with χlf, most likely due to significant effects of anthropogenic activities on magnetic susceptibility, therefore enhancing Pb concentrations in urban soils.Conclusions. In the soils studied, magnetic susceptibility could be employed as an indicator of anthropogenic contamination of soil with heavy metals.

Keywords

• magnetic susceptibility
• soil
• heavy metals
• nickel
• lead
• chromium
• cadmium
• copper
• zinc
• volsk