Abstract
Heavy metals and metalloids in soils are derived from the soil parent material (lithogenic source) and various anthropogenic sources, most of which involve several metal(loid)s. There are many different anthropogenic sources of heavy metal(loid) contamination affecting both agricultural and urban soils. However, localised contamination from a predominant single source, such as a metal smelter can have a marked effect on soils, vegetation and possibly also on the health of the local population, especially in countries where there are inadequate emission controls and soil quality standards. In general, soils at industrial sites can have distinct groups of heavy metal(loid) contaminants, which depend on the respective industries and their raw materials and products. Soils in all urban areas are generally contaminated with lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) from traffic, paint and many other non-specific urban sources. Although the heavy metal(loid) composition of agricultural soils tends to be more closely governed by the parent material, inputs from sources such as deposition of long-distance, atmospherically-transported aerosol particles from fossil fuel combustion and other sources, organic material applications and contaminants in fertilisers can also be significant. Removal of Pb from petrol and paints, changes in the type and structure of industries and strict regulations on atmospheric emissions and waste water discharges have resulted in a general reduction in the loads of heavy metal(loid)s reaching soils in many countries. However, historic contamination still affects soils in many areas and may have impacts for decades or even centuries afterwards.
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Alloway, B.J. (2013). Sources of Heavy Metals and Metalloids in Soils. In: Alloway, B. (eds) Heavy Metals in Soils. Environmental Pollution, vol 22. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4470-7_2
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