Background levels of trace elements and soil geochemistry at regional level in NE Italy

Amsterdam

2011

125-133

Sonderdruck

12277S

202908

Trace elements of both lithogenic and anthropogenic origin occur in soils distributed in various solid state forms, in the organic fraction and in the soil solution, and their fate in the environment depends upon several factors. The distribution patterns of element concentration are primarily influenced by the lithology of parent material, and secondly by the soil forming processes, that modify the basic geochemical composition and redistribute the content of metals within the soil profile. Alteration processes may lead to the release of potentially toxic elements, particularly heavy metals, into the environment.Keywords: Background levels; Soil geochemistry; Heavy metals; Dolomites; Trentino RegionSchlüsselwörter: Hintergrundlevel; Bodengeochemie; Schwermetalle; Dolomiten; Trentino