Determination of Local Background Content of Some Macro- And Microelements in the Soils of the Perm Region

Abstract

According to the V.I. Vernadsky law, chemical elements are distributed unevenly in natural objects. Knowledge of the content of chemical elements in a particular area helps in solving various environmental problems. As a result of economic activity, there occurs anthropogenic transformation of the natural environment, including changes in the geochemical properties of landscapes. For an objective assessment of the anthropogenic impact when studying various territories, it is necessary to take into account the background content of macro- and microelements. Since there is a constant anthropogenic impact on the natural environment, the data on background content must be updated. The article presents the results of the content study conducted for some macro- and microelements (Sr, Pb, As, Zn, Ni, Co, Fe2O3, MnO, Cr, V, TiO2) in landscapes in the Perm region. To determine the content of these elements, the method of X-ray fluorescence analysis was applied. As a result, the geochemical specialization of the region and its natural areas (Northern Urals, Western Urals, Middle Taiga, South Taiga, Mixed Coniferous-broad-leaved Forests and Kungur forest-steppe) was determined, geochemical series were constructed, accumulating and dispersing elements were identified. The local background content of the studied elements was determined for each natural area and also the Perm region as a whole. The data obtained can be used to assess the anthropogenic impact on the natural environment.

Features of Arsenic Distribution in the Soils of Potash Mines

“…The ecological risk factor (E i r ) for As regarding the toxicity response factor (T i r ) is 61.22, indicating moderate risk. Outside of saline areas, the average arsenic content in soils of both background and potash mining territories is lower than the average regional contents shown in [29]. Relative to the calculated regional average content [29], soils are characterised by element dispersion: the factor of dispersion within background areas ranges from 1.94 to 2.46; within potash mining areas, it ranges from 1.86 to 2.24.…”

“…Relative to the calculated regional average content [29], soils are characterised by element dispersion: the factor of dispersion within background areas ranges from 1.94 to 2.46; within potash mining areas, it ranges from 1.86 to 2.24. Soils in saline relative to the calculated regional average content [29] are characterised by element accumulation: the concentration factor is 2.73.…”

“…The following concentration factors were found: 4.42 for Perm Krai, 3.39 for the Middle Taiga natural area, and 4.61 for the Southern Taiga natural area. Relative to the calculated regional average content [29], the Middle Taiga area is characterised by element dispersion (the dispersion factor is 1.3). The Southern Taiga area is distinguished by insignificant accumulation (the concentration factor is 1.04).…”

“…The results of determining the background content of a number of macrocomponents and trace elements, including arsenic, in soils of six natural zones of Perm Krai (Russia) are presented in [29]. In general, Perm Krai has an average regional content of arsenic, which is 7.52 ± 0.25 mg/kg.…”

“…The Southern Taiga area is distinguished by insignificant accumulation (the concentration factor is 1.04). It should be noted that in [29], the distribution of arsenic and other determined elements is estimated by natural areas without regard to soil type, composition, or physical and chemical properties.…”