Presence of the Potential Toxic Metals (PTMs) in the urban and
peri-urban topsoils
Abstract
The occurrence of the PTEs contamination in the environment resulting
from the point or diffuse sources increases with globalization and
population growth. Anyway the benefits of home gardening for the
physiological and physical well-being, as well as uncertainties
regarding food supply chain in the case of Covid-19, the desire to use
home-grown (local) food is increasing more and more. There is no
information available on the PTE pollution of urban soils used for the
food production in Slovenia. Therefore, the main goal of present study
is the characterization of urban gardens and agricultural areas affected
by flooded sediments. The total concentrations of PTEs in soil and
sediment samples were ICP-MS. The concentrations of PTEs (As, Cd, Cr,
Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) exceeded the permissible limit values defined in
Slovenian Official Gazette. To define the natural or artificial origin
of PTEs, the mineralogical composition of the selected soils and
sediments was determined. The results obtained in present study were
correlated with the national background values measured in the upper
soil horizon and showed elevated concentrations. In addition to the
environmental issues, the social aspect of potential impacts of PTEs on
human health and safety was investigated. The results show that despite
the numerous local, national and international plans and measures,
greater awareness of the general public is needed to understand the
hazardous effects of PTEs and the need for appropriate management of
contaminated soil in the case contaminated areas.