Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Trace elements in sub-alpine forest soils on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, China

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Environmental Geology

Abstract

Industrial development has increased fast in China during the last decades. This has led to a range of environmental problems. Deposition of trace elements to forest ecosystems via the atmosphere is one potential problem. In this paper, we report the results from a pilot study where the trace element levels of the sub-alpine forest soils on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau have been measured. Possible relationships between soil properties and trace element concentrations have also been investigated. The obtained concentrations (mg kg−1) were boron (B) 48.06–53.70, molybdenum (Mo) 1.53–2.26, zinc (Zn) 68.18–79.53, copper (Cu) 36.81–42.44, selenium (Se) 0.33–0.49, cadmium (Cd) 0.16–0.29, lead (Pb) 25.80–30.71, chromium (Cr) 96.10–110.08, nickel (Ni) 30.16–45.60, mercury (Hg) 0.05–0.11, and arsenic (As) 3.09–4.17. With a few exceptions, the element concentration can be characterized as low in the investigated sub-alpine forest soils. No clear differences in trace element levels were found between topsoil and subsoil samples, indicating that the atmospheric deposition of trace element has been low. The soil parent material plays a key role to determine trace element levels. Soil properties, including pHw, organic carbon (OC), clay fraction, cation-exchange capacity (CEC), total iron (Fe), and total aluminum (Al) concentrations were related to trace element concentration using correlation analysis. Total Fe and Al showed the strongest relationships with concentrations of most trace elements in the sub-alpine forest soils. PCA analyses indicated that a significant increase in the number of cars with the fast development of local tourism may result in higher Pb concentration in the future.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Agbenin J, Felix-Henningsen P (2001) The status and dynamics of some trace elements in a savanna soil under long-term cultivation. Sci Total Environ 277:57–68

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen S, Ødegard S, Vogt RD, Seip HM (1994) Background levels of heavy metals in Polish forest soils. Ecol Eng 3:245–253

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen MK, Raulund-Rasmussen K, Strobel BW, Hansen HCB (2004) The effects of tree species and site on the solubility of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in soils. Water Air Soil Poll 154:357–370

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baize D, Sterckeman T (2001) Of the necessity of knowledge of the natural pedo-geochemical background content in the evaluation of the contamination of soils by trace elements. Sci Total Environ 264:127–139

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bergkvist B (1987) Leaching of metals in the upper C horizons of spruce and beech forest soils. In: Heavy metals in the environment. CEP Consultants Ltd., Edinburgh, pp 479–481

  • Bergkvist B, Folkeson L, Berggren D (1989) Fluxes of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni in temperate forest ecosystems. A literature review. Water Air Soil Poll 47:217–286

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Black CA (1967) Methods of soil analysis. ASA Monographs, Madison

    Google Scholar 

  • Blanusa M, Prester L, Matek M, Kucak A (1999) Trace elements in soil and coniferous needles. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 62:700–707

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bolan NS, Adriano DC, Natesan N, Koo BJ (2003) Effects of organic amendments on the reduction and phytoavailability of chromate in mineral soils. J Environ Qual 32:120–128

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradford GR, Chang AC, Page AL, Bakthar D, Frampton JA, Wrigth H (1996) Background concentrations of trace and major elements in California soils. Karney Foundation Spec Rep. University of California, Riverside

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruand A (2005) Toward conditions favourable to mobility of trace elements in soils. Geosicence 337:549–550

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen HM, Zheng CR, Tu C, Zhu YG (1999) Heavy metal pollution in soils in China: status and countremeasures. Ambio 28:130–131

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen JB, Jensen DL, Christensen TH (1996) Effect of dissolved organic carbon on the mobility of cadmium, nickel and zinc in leachate polluted groundwater. Water Res 30:3037–3049

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dudka S, Market B (1992) Baseline concentrations of As, Ba, Be, Li, Nb, Sr and V in surface soils of Poland. Sci Total Environ 122:279–290

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fotovat A, Naidu R (1998) Changes in composition of soil aqueuos phase influence chemistry of indigenous heavy metals in alkaline sodic and acidic soils. Geoderma 84:213–234

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gil C, Boluda R, Ramos J (2004) Determination and evaluation of cadmium, lead and nickel in greenhouse soils of Almería (Spain). Chemosphere 55:1027–1034

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gong ZT, Cheng ZC (1999) Chinese soil taxonomy. Chinese Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Goulding KWT, Blake L (1998) Land use, liming and the mobilization of potentially toxic metals. Agric Ecosyst Environ 67:135–144

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen H, Larssen T, Seip HM, Vogt RD (2001) Trace metals in forest soils at four sites in southern China. Water Air Soil Poll 130:1721–1726

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He YC (1990) The study on geologic environment of Hai Luogou. J Geol 10:43–48 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmgren GGS, Meyer MW, Chaney RL (1993) Cadmium, Pb, Zn, Cu and Ni in agricultural soils of the United State of America. J Environ Qual 22:335–348

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holm PE, Christensen TH, Tjell JC, McGrath SP (1995) Heavy metals in the environment. Speciation of cadmium and zinc with application to soil solutions. J Environ Qual 24:183–190

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horckmans L, Swennen R, Deckers J, Maquil R (2005) Local background concentrations of trace elements in soils: a case study in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Catena 59:279–304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kabata-Pendias A, Pendias H (1984) Trace elements in soils and plants. CRC Press, Boca Raton

    Google Scholar 

  • Kahle H (1993) Response of roots of trees to heavy metals. Environ Exp Bot 33:99–119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klassen RA (1998) Geological factors affecting the distribution of trace metals in glacial sediments of central Newfoundland. Environ Geol 33:154–169

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lindroos AJ, Derome J, Raitio H, Rautio P (2007) Heavy metal concentrations in soil solution, soil and needles in a Norway spruce stand on an acid sulphate forest soil. Water Air Soil Poll 180:155–170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lindsay WL (1979) Chemical equilibria in soils. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu YJ (1987) Exploration geochemistry, in Chinese. China Environmental Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Lo KSL, Yang WF, Lin YC (1992) Effects of organic matter on the specific adsorption of heavy metals by soil. Toxicol Environ Chem 34:139–153

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lottermoser BG (1997) Natural enrichment of topsoils with chromium and other heavy metals, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia. Aust J Soil Res 35:1165–1176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McBride MB (1989) Reactions controlling heavy metal solubility in soils. Adv Soil Sci 10:1–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McBride MB (1995) Toxic metal accumulation from agricultural use of sludge: are USEPA regulations protective? J Environ Qual 24:5–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meng XX (1998) The natural background values of ten trace elements in forest soil of the Ailao Mountain, in Chinese. J Geog Sci 17:275–279

    Google Scholar 

  • Menon M, Hermle S, Abbaspour KC, Günthardt-Goerg MS, Oswald SE, Schulin R (2005) Water regime of metal-contaminated soil under juvenile forest vegetation. Plant Soil 271:227–241

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Messerli B, Ives JD (1997) Mountains of the World: A Global Priority. Parthenon Publishing, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitichell RL (1974) Trace element problems on Scottish soils. Neth J Agri Sci 22:295–304

    Google Scholar 

  • Norton SA, Hanson DW, Campana RJ (1980) The impact of acidic precipitation and heavy metals on soils in relation to forest ecosystems. In: United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, General Technical Report PSW-43, Berkeley, California, pp 152–157

  • Oliver MA (1997) Soil and human health: a review. Eur J Soil Sci 48:573–592

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pierce FJ, Dowdy RH, Trigal DF (1982) Concentrations of six trace metals in some major Minnesota soil series. J Environ Qual 11:416–422

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reimann C, Garret RG (2005) Geochemical background-concept and reality. Sci Total Environ 350:12–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sauvé S, McBride MB, Norvell WA, Hendershot WH (1997) Copper solubility and speciation of in situ contaminated soils: effects of copper level, pH and organic matter. Water Air Soil Poll 100:133–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scrudato RJ, Estes EL (1975) Clay-lead sorption relations. Environ Geol 1:167–170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shparyk YS, Parpan VI (2004) Heavy metal pollution and forest health in the Ukrainian Carpathians. Environ Pollut 130:55–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siehl A, Thein J (1978) Geochemische trends in der Minette (Jura, Luxemburg/Lothringen). Geol Rundschau 67:1052–1077

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sposito G (1984) The surface chemistry of soils. Oxford University Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinnes E, Allen RO, Petersen HM, Rambæk JP, Varskog P (1997) Evidence of large scale heavy-metal contamination of natural surface soils in Norway from long-range atmospheric transport. Sci Total Environ 205:255–266

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suttona P, Maskalla J, Thorntonb I (2002) Concentrations of major and trace elements in soil and grass at Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kenya. Appl Geochem 17:1003–1016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tack FMG, Verloo MG, Vanmechelen L, Van Ranst E (1997) Baseline concentration levels of trace elements as a function of clay and organic carbon contents in soils in Flanders (Belgium). Sci Total Environ 201:113–123

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tyler G (1978) Leaching rates of heavy metal ions in forest soil. Water Air Soil Poll 9:137–148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tyler G (2004) Vertical distribution of major, minor, and rare elements in a Haplic Podzol. Geoderma 119:277–290

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tume P, Bech J, Longan L, Tume L, Reverter F, Sepulvedae B (2006) Trace elements in natural surface soils in Sant Climent (Catalonia, Spain). Ecol Eng 27:145–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vega FA, Covelo EF, Andrade ML, Marcet P (2004) Relationships between heavy metals content and soil properties in minesoils. Anal Chim Acta 524:141–150

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang XJ, Chen SS (1998) Trace element contents and correlation in surface soils in China’s eastern alluvial plains. Environ Geol 36:277–284

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yaron B, Calvet R, Prost R (1996) Soil pollution: processes and dynamics. Springer, Berlin

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Yao TQ, Zhang SY, Zhao HK, Dai C (1999) The natural background values of twelve elements in soil in Xujiaba area, Ailao Mountain, in Chinese. J Mt Sci 17:275–279

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu XM, Li L, Gao JH (2001) Analysis for total amount of multi-element in soil by ICP-AES, in Chinese. Mod Apparatus 2:30–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Zayed AM, Terry N (2003) Chromium in the environment: factors affecting biological remediation. Plant Soil 249:139–156

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang YL, Wang ZF, Luo KL, Ding MJ, Zhang W, Lin XD, Yang XC (2007) The spatial distribution of trace elements in topsoil from the northern slope of Qomolangma (Everest) in China. Environ Geol 52:679–684

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng YC, Zhang JP, Yin YG (1993) Characteristics of environment background value of Hailoigou soils on MT. Gongga Mt Res 11:23–29

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhong XH (2000) Mountain science and Chinese mountain. Sichuan Science and Technology Press, Chengdu

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by National Basic Research program of China (2005CB422005), National Key Technology R&D Program (2007BAC06B08), and the “West Talent Plan” Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences. The authors thank Binru Chen for providing part data.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Science, R.d, No. 9, Section 4 of Renming South, 610041, Chengdu, China

    Xiaodan Wang, Genwei Cheng & Xianghao Zhong

  2. Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland

    Mai-He Li

Authors
  1. Xiaodan Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Genwei Cheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Xianghao Zhong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Mai-He Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xiaodan Wang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wang, X., Cheng, G., Zhong, X. et al. Trace elements in sub-alpine forest soils on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, China. Environ Geol 58, 635–643 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1538-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1538-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation