Background levels of heavy metals in Polish forest soils

Abstract To determine the levels and regional distribution of heavy metals in Polish forest soils not influenced by large local emitters, concentrations of lead, zinc, cadmium, and nickel were measured in samples taken from the organic and mineral soil horizons at 14 locations in Poland. There was a distinct gradient in heavy metal concentrations going from north to south or south-west in Poland. In the organic horizon the maximum concentrations were found south of Kracow. Heavy metal levels from this area exceeded those observed in southernmost Norway by 10–20%, but otherwise the heavy metal concentrations in the Polish forest soils were lower than or comparable to those found in southernmost Norway. A separate study was carried out for soils near an iron smelter. Heavy metal concentrations in the topsoil were elevated compared to the other sites, but no clear correlation was found between the concentrations in the soil and the distance from the smelter.