The aim of this study was to determine the extent and patterns of antimony and tin contamination in soils along railway lines, as there are very few data in the literature on this subject. The study was conducted in north-western Croatia. Total and bioavailable concentrations of Sn and Sb were detected using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). The following results were obtained: total concentrations of Sb ranged from 0.98 to 52.0 mg/kg and of Sn from 3.04 mg/kg to 97.6 mg/kg. The soil samples showed pronounced Sb and Sn enrichment, up to 87 and 33 times the median value for European soils, respectively. In contrast to the total concentrations, the bioavailable concentrations showed relatively low values. For Sn, the percentage of total content ranged from 0.001 to 0.021%, while for Sb it ranged from 0.001 to 0.136%. Statistical data analysis suggests that the distribution of Sb and Sn in soils near railway lines is influenced by the functional use of the site, distance from the tracks, topography, age of the railway line, and also by soil properties such as soil texture, humus content, and soil pH. This study demonstrates that rail transport is a source of soil pollution with Sn and Sb. The origin of Sb and Sn enrichment is abrasion by brakes, rails, wheels, freight losses, exhaust gasses, etc. Both elements in soils along railway lines pose an environmental risk to humans, agricultural production, and wildlife, and therefore further detailed studies are required.

Antimony (Sb) and tin (Sn) in soils along railway lines pose a serious environmental risk. The study, conducted at 60 sites along the 160 km railway line connecting the Croatian capital Zagreb with surrounding smaller settlements and towns, showed pronounced soil Sb and Sn enrichment up to 87 and 33 times the median for European soils, respectively. The total mass fractions of Sb ranged from 0.98 to 52.0 mg/kg and of Sn from 3.04 mg/kg to 97.6 mg/kg. The origin of the enrichment is railway traffic, but precise sources are difficult to define, however available literature points to abrasion from brakes, rails, wheels and overhead wires, exhaust fumes from locomotive engines and cargo waste as predominant sources. The comprehensive data analysis suggested that the Sb and Sn distribution in soils near railway lines was not only conditioned by natural factors such as soil texture, humus content and soil pH, but also by the distance to the tracks, which is not necessarily linear, the site functionality, the topography and the age of the railway line. Observed soil contamination with antimony and tin requires further research to increase knowledge of the impact of railways on Sb and Sn soil content, and to establish safety distances that will ensure the least possible impact of rail traffic on nearby crops and prevent their excessive entry into the food chain.