Metal Contamination in Urban Soils of Coastal Tuscany (Italy)

Urban soils are often contaminated by metals deriving from human activities. Urban polluted soils can affect human health through direct physical contact or through the food chain. The behaviour of metals is affected by chemical and physical soil properties. Heavy metal concentration was determined in some soils of three medium sized towns of coastal Tuscany, Central Italy. Soil samples were collected in roadsides, urban agricultural soils (allotments), playgrounds and public parks. The analysis included total metal content (Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd), and sequential extraction. Lead reached the highest levels in the soils and was higher near roads. In urban agricultural soils and in allotments Cu was present in noticeable quantities (300 mg kg⁻¹). The presence of Cu in urban soils seems to be typical of soils used for a long period as agricultural land, especially vineyards in the area covered by this study. Sequential extraction was performed to evaluate the mobility of the metals and to better understand the impact of the anthropogenic activity on urban sites. In the present study principal components analysis (PCA) is employed to describe the characteristics of urban soils.     

The Precision of Precipitation Chemistry Measurements in the Canadian Air and Precipitation Monitoring Network (CAPMoN)

Precision estimates are presented for precipitation chemistry and depth measurements made by the Canadian Air and Precipitation Monitoring Network (CAPMoN). The estimates were made for daily measurements of ion concentration and precipitation depth as well as for weekly, 28-day, seasonal and annual precipitation-weighted mean concentrations and depths. The data on which the estimates are based were collected from collocated samplers at five CAPMoN sites during the period 1985 to 1993. The data pairs from the collocated samplers were used to calculate the between-instrument error defined as 1/2 times the difference between the paired sample concentrations (or depths). For all of the ion concentrations and depths, the between-sampler errors were found not to be normally distributed, but the normality of the distributions improved with the length of the (volume-weighting) time period considered. A set of quantitative measures of overall network precision were derived in absolute (mg L^-1) and relative (%) units. These included the Modified Median Absolute Deviation (M.MAD), the P90% probability values and the Coefficient of Variation (CoV). The latter, defined as the percent ratio of the M.MAD to the median concentration (or depth), represents the relative precision at the center of the error and concentration (and depth) distributions. Based on the CoV values, the relative precision of the CAPMoN measurements was very high (better than 4%) for SO ₄ ^2- , NO ₃ ^- , pH, H⁺, NH ₄ ⁺ , sample depth and standard gauge depth, and not as high (between 10 and <35%) for Cl^-, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺. The ions with the lowest median concentrations had the poorest relative precision since so many of the concentrations were at or near the analytical detection limit. Except for the sample and standard gauge depths, both the absolute and relative precision improved with the length of the precipitation-weighting period. Detailed statistical testing established that the precision of the daily measurements is dependent on a number of factors, the most dominant being sample depth and concentration, i.e., the absolute precision improves with increasing sample depth and decreasing concentration. The strength of these relationships diminished with the length of the precipitation-weighting period being considered. Laboratory-related sources of imprecision were found to account for less than 4% of the overall daily measurement imprecision for most species, while field-related sources of imprecision accounted for the balance. Specialized plots are shown which allow data users to estimate the absolute and relative precision at any concentration and depth value.     

Monitoring and assessment of toxic metals in Gulf War oil spill contaminated soil using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied for the detection of toxic metals in oil spill contaminated soil (OSCS). The OSCS samples were collected from Khursania Saudi Arabia along the coast of Persian Gulf exposed to oil spills in 1991 Gulf war. Environmentally important elements like Aluminum Magnesium, Calcium, Chromium, Titanium, Strontium, Iron, Barium, Sodium, potassium, Zirconium and Vanadium from the contaminated soil have been detected. Optimal experimental conditions for analysis were investigated. The LIBS system was calibrated using standard samples containing these trace elements. The results obtained using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) were compared with the results obtained using Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopy (ICP). The concentrations of some elements (Ba and Cr) were found higher than permissible safe limits. Health risks associated with exposure to such toxic elements are also discussed.     

Integrating Remote Sensing Approach with Pollution Monitoring Tools for Aquatic Ecosystem Risk Assessment and Managment: A Case Study of Lake Victoria(UGANDA)

Aquatic ecosystems around the world, lake, estuaries and coastal areas are increasingly impacted by anthropogenic pollutants through different sources such as agricultural, industrial and urban discharges, atmospheric deposition and terrestrial drainage. Lake Victoria is the second largest lake in the world and the largest tropical lake. Bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, it provides a livelihood for millions of Africans in the region. However, the lake is under threat from eutrophication, a huge decline in the number of native fish species caused by several factors including loss of biodiversity, over fishing and pollution has been recently documented. Increasing usage of pesticides and insecticides in the adjacent agricultural areas as well as mercury contamination from processing of gold ore on the southern shores are currently considered among the most emergent phenomena of chemical contamination in the lake. By the application of globally consistent and comprehensive geospatial data-sets based on remote sensing integrated with information on heavy metals accumulation and insecticides exposure in native and alien fish populations, the present study aims at assessing the environmental risk associated to the contamination of the Lake Victoria water body on fish health, land cover distribution, biodiversity and the agricultural area surrounding the lake. By the elaboration of Landsat 7 TM data of November 2002 and Landsat 7 TM 1986 we have calculated the agriculture area which borders the Lake Victoria bay, which is an upland plain. This process has greatly enhanced nutrient loading to the soil, which is subsequently transported to the lake by rain or as dry fall. All the data has been insert in the Geographical information System (ARCGIS) to be upgraded and consulted. Heavy metals in fish fillets showed concentrations rather low except for mercury being higher than others as already described in previous investigations. In the same tissue, cholinesterases activity (ChE) as an indicator of insecticides exposure showed significant differences among fish species in both activity and sensitivity of selected inhibitor insecticides. This integrated approach aims at identifying and quantifying selected aquatic environmental issues which integrated with monitoring techniques such as contaminant concentrations and biological responses to insecticides exposure in fish populations will provide a scientific basis for aquatic zones management and assist in policy formulations at the national and international levels.     

Seasonal Variation in Bacterial Flora of the Wastewater and Soil in the Vicinity of Industrial Area

Environmental pollution is one of the major problems being facedtoday due to the advent of extensive industrialization. Heavy metals are the most important contaminants in wastewater that are present in abundance and are toxic. Heavy metal contentsof sewage in the industrial estate of Aligarh (U.P.) have beendetermined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The analysisof samples collected from six different locations revealedsignificantly high levels of Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni. Certainbacteriological (Total bacterial count, Total coliform, Fecal coliform, and Fecal Streptococci) parameters of domestic and industrial sewage as well as soils were monitored from March1990 to January 1993. Total bacterial count, total coliform,fecal coliform and fecal streptococci were found to be lowestin all the samples of industrial wastewater compared to thosein domestic sewage and soil systems. The soil however, contained highest total culturable bacterial population. In view of the common practice of the application of sewage to agricultural land in the neighbouring area, the discharge ofindustrial wastewater without proper treatment into public sewers should be strictly prohibited.     

Concentrations of heavy metals in urban soils of Talcahuano (Chile): a preliminary study

Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the top-(0–10 cm) and sub-surface (10–20 cm) soils of the Talcahuano urban area were measured. The main soil properties (organic matter, CaCO₃, pH, particle sizes) were determined for a network of representative sampling sites. The mean Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn contents in the urban topsoil samples from Talcahuano (37.8, 22.6, 35.2, 333 mg kg⁻¹, respectively) were compared with mean concentrations for other cities around the world. The results revealed higher concentrations of heavy metals in topsoil samples than in sub-surface samples. The samples from IS1, IS2, and IS3, located in the Talcahuano industrial park, had higher Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn contents than did samples from the other sites. This was probably due to local pollution by industrial (metallurgical) dust, although other diffuse pollution throughout the entire port region (shipyards, metallurgy, the dismantling of old ships), and contributions from the wind from adjacent industrial, storage, and vessel areas clearly played a role. Heavy metals were lowest in the sample taken on school grounds (SG).     

Distribution of Metals in the Edible Plants Grown at Jajmau, Kanpur (India) Receiving Treated Tannery Wastewater: Relation with Physico-Chemical Properties of the Soil

The implications of metal contamination of agricultural soils due to long term irrigation with treated industrial wastewater and their subsequent accumulation in the vegetables/crops growing on such soils has been assessed in an area of industrial complex, Jajmau, Kanpur (India). Physico-chemical properties of the soil were also studied. The soil and vegetables/crops were sampled from an area of 2100 acre agricultural land and analyzed for physico-chemical properties and metal accumulation in different parts of the plants. The comparison of the data of physico-chemical properties of control and contaminated soil showed that salinity, electrical conductivity, available phosphorous, sodium and potassium content (both water soluble and exchangeable) were found high in contaminated soil. The analysis of plant available metal content in the soil showed the highest level of Fe, which ranged from 529.02 to 2615 μg g⁻¹ dw and lowest level of Ni (3.12 to 10.51 μg g⁻¹ dw). The analysis of the results revealed that accumulation of toxic metal Cr in leafy vegetables was found more than fruit bearing vegetables/crops. Thus, it is recommended that the leafy vegetables are unsuitable to grow in such contaminated sites. It is important to note that toxic metal, Ni was not detected in all the plants. The edible part of the vegetables (under ground) such as, garlic (19.27 μg g⁻¹ dw), potato (11.81 μg g⁻¹ dw) and turmeric (20.86 μg g⁻¹ dw) has accumulated lowest level of toxic metal, Cr than leafy and fruit bearing vegetables. In some fruit part of vegetables such as, bitter gourd, egg plant, jack tree, maize and okra, the accumulation of Cr was not detected and may be grown in this area.     

Mercury levels in myliobatid stingrays (Batoidea) from the Gulf of California: tissue distribution and health risk assessment

With the aim of knowing Hg distribution in selected tissues of myliobatid stingrays and assessing health risk to Mexican population, Hg concentration was determined in the muscle and liver of four ray species. Total Hg levels were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry. With respect to the muscle, devil rays (Mobula spp.) showed lower Hg levels (<0.22 μg g^?1) than Rhinoptera steindachneri (0.37?±?0.25 μg g^-1 wet weight). In the case of the liver, the highest Hg concentration was found in Mobula japanica (0.22?±?0.01 μg g^?1). Hg levels in the muscle and liver varied according to the species; in some case, the liver accumulated more Hg than the muscle and the opposite pattern in other cases. R. steindachneri showed a significant difference between both tissues. No significant differences of Hg levels between males and females and between juveniles and adult specimens of R. steindachneri were found. Positive correlation between Hg concentrations and disc width and total weight was not significant for R. steindachneri (Rs?<?0.36, p?>?0.05). Batoids showed Hg values below the Mexican (NOM-027-SSA1-1993) limits (1.0 μg g^?1) in fishes for human consumption. The species with the highest potential of Hg transfer to human population is R. steindachneri; however, an adult (70 kg) could consume approximately 943 g per week without representing a health risk. Nevertheless, further and continuous monitoring is needed since batoids support an important fishery in Mexican waters, being a food resource and income to coastal communities.     

Heavy Metals in Liver and Muscle of Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) Caught in the Straits of Messina (Sicily, Italy)

The present investigation was carried out on the bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) collected during the month of April 2003 from the Straits of Messina. The aim of this study is to determine heavy metal levels (Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn) in liver and muscle tissues of 14 Thunnus thynnus of different age and sex and to investigate the relationships between fish sex and size (length and weight and metal concentrations in the tissues. The concentrations of the various metals were determined by a Varian atomic absorption spectroscopy instrument. The results showsignificant variations (p < 0.01) for Hg and Zn concentrations in muscle than in liver samples. Concentrations of Cd and Pb are below the instrumental detection limits in almost all muscle samples. Levels of Hg (3.03 + 0.55 μg/g) are above the MRLs only in muscle (1μg/g) establishing toxicological risks for the consumer. Regression analysis shows a negative correlation between mercury level and weight and length in samples from both female and male. No significant difference between mean heavy metals concentrations and male or female tuna is seen. For greater food safety, it would be advisable to reduce the mercury intake by selecting safer fish, species and size and by the avoidance of tuna fish consumption by pregnant women, young children and old people, who are more sensitive to mercury exposure.     

Influence of weight on the content of trace metals in tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819): a forecast model

Fifty seven samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) collected along the breakwater barriers of Fano (station 1) and Pesaro (station 2), Adriatic Sea, Marche Region, central Italy, were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry and Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in the soft tissues were measured. The aims of this work were the statistical analysis of Cd-weight, Cu-weight, Pb-weight, Zn-weight relationships, and the building of a tendency function that allows assessing with a good approximation the concentrations of a metal in different weight organisms. In Mytilus galloprovincialis the content of Cd proportionally grew with the weight and therefore its concentration was independent from this factor; while the concentration of Pb decreased as the weight increased. In both cases the accuracy of multiple regression models improved considering the variable ‘site’, while the same approach appeared not reliable for Cu and Zn, that were two essential metals. Our results showed that a tendency function was reliable, solid and able to predict to a very satisfying extent the concentration of non-physiological metals, like Cd and Pb; while it did not show a good approximation with real Cu and Zn contents.     

Heavy Metals in the Eggs and Muscle of Horseshoe Crabs (Limulus Polyphemus) from Delaware Bay

Lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and manganese concentrations were measured in the eggs of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) from 1993, 1994 and 1995; and from chelicera muscle in 1995 from Delaware Bay. Metal concentrations in the eggs represent levels derived from females. In eggs, mercury levels were below 100 ppb or were non-dectable; cadmium levels were generally low in 1993 and 1995 but were relatively higher in 1994; lead levels in eggs decreased from 558 ppb in 1993 to 87 ppm in 1995; selenium increased from 1993 to 1995; chromium decreased from 1993 to 1995; and manganese generally decreased. Leg muscles had significantly lower levels of all metals than eggs, except for mercury.     

燃煤工业城市大气细颗粒物中水溶性无机离子的季节变化特征及来源解析——以邯郸市为例

为探究典型燃煤工业城市邯郸市的大气细颗粒物(PM2.5)污染水平及水溶性无机离子特征,于2016年1—12月采集了当地大气PM2.5样品,然后利用离子色谱法测得水溶性无机离子的组分,分析了不同季节水溶性无机离子随PM2.5的浓度变化特征。通过对PM2.5中的阴离子、阳离子进行分析发现,SO4^2-、NO3^-和NH4^+在春夏秋冬四季均为PM2.5中的主要离子成分,SO4^2-、NO3^-和NH4^+的浓度之和在春夏秋冬四季占各季节总的水溶性无机离子浓度的百分比分别为84.6%、77.4%、89.9%、62.5%。其中,在春季和冬季含量最高的3种离子分别是NO3^-、SO4^2-和NH4^+,夏季含量最高的3种离子分别是SO4^2-、NH4^+和NO3^-,而秋季含量最高的3种离子分别是NH4^+、SO4^2-和NO3^-。相关性分析发现,2016年春季、夏季和秋季PM2.5为酸性,冬季为碱性。SO4^2-、NO3^-、NH4^+浓度分析表明,冬季PM2.5中的一次建筑扬尘排放较多。通过主成分分析法得出,PM2.5中水溶性无机离子主要来源于二次转化和生物质燃烧。     

Water quality monitoring using remote sensing in support of the EU water framework directive (WFD): A case study in the Gulf of Finland

Water quality monitoring using remote sensing has been studied in Finland for many years. But there are still few discussions on water quality monitoring using remote sensing technology in support of water policy and legislation in Finland under the WFD. In this study, we present water quality monitoring using remote sensing in the Gulf of Finland, and focus on the spatial distribution of water quality information from satellite-based observations in support of water policy by a case study of nitrate concentrations in surface waters. In addition, we briefly describe instruments using a system of river basin districts (RBD), highlighting the importance of integrated water resources and river-basin management in the WFD, and discuss the role of water quality monitoring using remote sensing in the implementation of water policy in Finland under the WFD.     

A combinated approach to investigate the biochemistry and hydrography of a shallow bay in the South Adriatic Sea: the Gulf of Manfredonia (Italy)

The main goal of this study is to understand the hydrological and biochemical set up and processes of a marine coastal area located in the western side of the south Adriatic sea (the gulf of Manfredonia) by the use of both satellite images and in situ investigations A water sampling in the gulf of Manfredonia was performed at 18 fixed stations in June 2003; physico-chemical and biological parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and fluorescence) were measured along the water column and water samples were collected to analyse dissolved nutrients (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and silicate), total nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), chlorophyll a and total suspended solids. Surface spatial distributions of field collected data were examined to characterize biochemical and hydrographic conditions of the Gulf of Manfredonia and these results were related with the remote sensing analysis data. Remote sensed data (obtained by Landsat 7 TM and Modis Terra) were processed to obtain maps of chlorophyll a, temperature and optical characteristics of the gulf; these maps were compared to in situ data. From physico-chemical measurements no stratification was observed in the water column except for the south-eastern area. High concentrations of silicate and ammonia were observed in the northern zone of the gulf, while nitrate, phosphate, chlorophyll a and total suspended solids distributions showed higher values in the central coastal zone. These results were confirmed by remote sensing analysis; Modis elaboration showed a distribution with higher concentrations of chlorophyll a near the coast and Landsat images highlighted the extension of the surrounding agricultural areas crossed by the two main rivers which discharge into the gulf. The integration between field data with the remote sensing analysis showed to be a valid support in coastal zone management.     

Ecotoxicological Assessment of the Impact of Residual Heavy Metals on Soil Nematodes in the Guadiamar River Basin (Southern Spain)

On 25 April 1998, as a consequence of the breaking of a dam containing the tailings of a pyrite mine, a land strip of approximately 43 km in length was covered with a layer of black sludge, containing high levels of heavy metals, along the Guadiamar River Basin (southern Spain). In this investigation we carried out an ecotoxicological assessment (field and laboratory studies) of the impact of residual heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni) on soil nematodes in the impacted riparian zone, two years after the huge mine spillage. Concentrations of residual heavy metals were significantly (P<0.05) higher at the impacted sampling sectors (S-2, S-3, S-4, S-5) than at the unpolluted (reference) sampling sector (S-1). Nickel however exhibited the lowest increases at the impacted sectors. As a consequence, correlation coefficients between concentrations of heavy metals and values of ecological indices were not significant for Ni. In contrast, copper, lead and zinc exhibited significant (P<0.05) negative correlation coefficients with ecological indices, particularly with diversity indices (including the~number of taxa). In addition, the toxicity of Cu and Pb to nematode test species (Aphelenchus avenae and Cephalobus persegnis) during short-term toxicity bioassays was much higher than the toxicity of Zn and Ni. We conclude that residual heavy metals were still influencing adversely the community of soil nematodes in the impacted riparian zone of the Guadiamar River Basin. Cu, Pb and, to a lesser extent, Zn would be major responsible for the observed impact.     

Natural and anthropogenic contamination of the Fratta-Gorzone river (Veneto, Italy)

Stream-bed sediment samples were collected in 2001 and 2004 along the Fratta-Gorzone River (Italy) to assess the level of heavy metal contamination. The river stretch most affected by discharges of tannery effluent showed total and pseudo-total Cr levels (up to 2,860 mg/kg) that greatly exceed national and international chemical sediment quality standards. The most contaminated section of the river bed is located downstream of the main industrial discharge. However, a large fraction of the Cr present in the sediment appears to be of lithogenic origin. At most sites, more than 50% of Cr is not soluble in aqua-regia and thus unlikely to be very mobile or easily bio-available. A negligible risk to the benthic community can be inferred for Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni. This work highlights the limitation of using existing chemical sediment quality standards alone for risk assessment. The collection and analysis of suspended solids, the determination of river discharge and of dissolved Cr at 10 field stations allowed to estimate the particulate and dissolved Cr load and to locate the river stretch that was the likely source of contaminated sediment. The pumping of dilution water from the Adige River into the Fratta-Gorzone River did not produce the expected contaminant dilution effect due to re-suspension of contaminated solid particles and the release of Cr in solution.     

Speciative determination of Cr (III) and Cr (VI) in dyeing waste water of Dil Creek discharge to Izmit Gulf (Izmit-Kocaeli, Turkey) by ICP-AES

Wastewater pollution in industrial areas is one of the most important environmental problems. Heavy metal pollution, especially chromium pollution in wastewater sources from dyeing and tannery has affected the life on earth. This pollution can affect all ecosystems and human health directly or by food chain. Therefore, the determination of chromium in this study is of great importance. Dil Creek is located in the eastern Marmara region and discharges into the Izmit Gulf. This water source is used for irrigation in agriculture and as drinking water for animals. In this study, a rapid, sensitive and selective method for the speciative direct determination of Cr (III) and Cr (VI) in dyeing waste water samples collected from the nearest station to Izmit Gulf of Dil Creek in May 2006 by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) has been developed. An analysis of a given sample is completed in about 15 min for ICP-AES the method. As the result of the chromium analysis, the limit of quantification (LOQ) for the Cr (III), Cr (VI) and total Cr were founded as 0.0111 ± 0.0002 mg/l (RSD, 1.80%), 0.0592 ± 0.0010 mg/l (RSD, 1.70%) and 0.0703 ± 0.0020 mg/l (RSD, 2.84%) respectively. In addition, the general mathematical formula has been developed to calculate the concentration of Cr(III), which can be applied to any other metal species. The result of Cr (VI) analysis indicated that water quality of Creek was IV. class quality according to the inland water classification. In order to validate the applied method, recovery studies were performed.     

Source identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment samples from the northern part of the Persian Gulf,Iran

Samples of surface sediments from the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf were examined to determine the levels and sources of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Samples were collected from 30 sampling sites and analyzed for PAHs by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Total concentrations of PAHs ranged from 93 to 4,077 ng g^?1 dry weight. The PAH composition from 30 sampling sites was dominated by four-ring PAH compounds. Molecular indices based on the ratios of PAH concentrations were used to differentiate PAHs from pyrolitic to petrogenic and mixed origins. The results suggested that the main sources of PAHs in sediments from the studied region were mixed pyrolitic and petrogenic. Furthermore, benthic organisms in most of the investigated areas were not at ecotoxicological risk, according to the results from the effects range low (ERL)/effects range median (ERM) techniques suggested by the US Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs).     

Assessment of the Heavy Metal Pollution Effects on the Soil Respiration in the Baix Llobregat (Catalonia, NE Spain)

A main goal of investigations is to determine could a soilrespiration be an indicator of the soil pollution. In this case a measured levelof the soil oxygen consumption depends of its pollution. It alsomeans that the pollution reduces biological processes in edaphon.Investigated soil samples were taken from polluted andnon-polluted places in the Baix Llobregat near Barcelona (Catalonia, NE Spain). Soil samples were taken from the top ofsoil (0–5 cm) without a litter. Soil analysis were done, determining percentage shares of coarsefragments, coarse sand, fine sand, coarse silt, fine silt, clay,CaCO₃, organic matter as well as water pH and conductivityCE (1:5 [mS cm^-1]). Also were determined (in mg kg^-1)quantities of heavy metals, as Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, V, Cu, Cd, Pb.The soil respiration was investigated in temperatures15 and 30 °C and with controlled humidity.The respiration in 30 °C is number of times greater thenin 15 °C both for polluted and non-polluted soils.Particularly high coefficients of correlation between the soilrespiration and soil pollution in polluted soils were obtainedfor Pb: r = 0.75 in 15 °C and r = 0.98 in30 °C; for Ba: 0.90 and 0.57; for V: 0.99 and 0.81. In non-polluted soils highest correlation coefficients are for Pb: r = 0.70 in 15 °C; Fe: 0.60 and 0.72; Al: 0.68 and0.64; Mn: 0.51 and 0.66; Ba: 0.63 and 0.61; Cr: 0.94 and0.70; Ni: 0.64 and 0.65; Cu: 0.69 and 0.48; as well as V: 0.62in 15 °C; and Cd: 0.69 in 15 °C.This way the soil respiration could be a good indicator of the soil pollution.