The Content of Heavy Metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb) in The Soil Near The Arterial Roads in Wroclaw (Poland)

Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland

^* Corresponding author: anna.holtra@pwr.edu.pl

Abstract

The concentrations of heavy metals in soils along the motorway bypass of Wroclaw (AOW) and the Eastern Ring Road of Wroclaw (WOW), Poland, have been determined. The soil samples were collected from the levels of 0-25 cm within 2 m from the edge of the road. The mineralizates were prepared in HNO₃, 60%, using the Microwave Digestion System. The content of Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni and Pb in soils were determined using FAAS method. The physicochemical parameters, the conductivity and pH of the soil solutions were measured to evaluate the salinity of the soils and their active and exchangeable acidity. The pollution indexes (W_N) showing the enrichment of soils in metals have been determined. Excess of metal concentrations in soils compared to the geochemical background in uncontaminated soils of Poland has been observed. Permissible concentrations of heavy metals relative to the standard for soils, according to the Polish Ministry of Environment Regulation from September 1^st, 2016, have not been exceeded.