Trace elements in Al-Fe-humus podzolic soils subjected to aerial pollution from the copper-nickel production industry in conditions of varying lithogenic background

Numerous data on the concentration of trace elements (Rb, Cs, Ag, Au, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd, Sc, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb, Th, U, Zr, Hf, As, Sb, V, Ta, Se, Cr, Mo, W, Co, Ni, Br, and Ir) in Al-Fe-humus podzolic soils developing from different types of rocks and subjected to different levels of aerial pollution from the copper and nickel production industry are considered. The distribution of elements by the profiles of soils on Quaternary sediments has common regularities. Rare-earth elements, actinides, Rb, Cs, and Sc display an eluvial type of distribution, whereas Zr and Hf tend to accumulate in topmost mineral horizons. Biogenic accumulation is found for Cu, Ni, Co, Ag, Au, Se, Sb, and Ir. In polluted soils, the accumulation of these elements in organic horizons becomes especially well manifested. Organic soil horizons are biogeochemical barriers for these elements in conditions of severe atmospheric pollution that, eventually, leads to the development of industrial barrens. Owing to the barrier effect of organic horizons, the distribution of these elements in mineral soil horizons is fully controlled by the lithogenic factor.