Metal Levels in Surface Soils after Different Extraction Procedures

Abstract

Surface soil samples collected from the Kiseljak area, Bosnia and Herzegovina, were analyzed for eight different heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn) using atomic absorption spectrometry – flame and cold vapour techniques. Three procedures of extraction of metals from soil were used: 1) extraction with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), 2) extraction with HNO3 solution, and 3) extraction with aqua regia. Results for metals are reported for the first time in soils for this region. Pseudo total metal content in soil samples can be presented by the following descending series: Fe > Mn > Pb > Zn > Cu > Cr > Cd > Hg. The categories of increased pollution and highly polluted soils are almost equally presented in the Kiseljak area. Location Kiseljak-Centar by the content of Pb and Cu belong to the contaminated soil. In the case of Cd all analyzed soil samples belong to contaminated soils.