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Metal uptake in plants from a birch forest area near a copper smelter in Norway

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Abstract

Uptake of Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Fe, Al, Rb, Ph, Cu, Zn, and Cd in vascular plants from a birch forest area near a Cu smelter in northern Norway was investigated. The primary objective was to study metal uptake in plants growing in a strong local acidification gradient. Decreased levels of Mn, Mg, and Ca found in Betula pubescens, Vaccinum myrtillus, and Deschampsia flexuosa near the smelter corresponded to a decrease in base saturation of the soil. This suggests that appreciable soil acidification has taken place. The level of Rb in Vaccinum myrtillus and Sorbus aucuparia increased significantly towards the smelter, probably due to the higher soil acidity. Elevated levels of Cu, Zn, Ph, and Cd in surface soil were found with values up to 2500 mg kg−1 Cu within 1 km from the smelter. These concentrations decreased significantly with distance, but metal contamination was detectable up to 27 km from the smelter along the prevailing wind direction. A corresponding decrease was detected for Cu in the four plant species analyzed. Elevated levels of Zn, Ph, Fe, and Al were found in some, but not all, species.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Trondheim — AVH, N-7055, Dragvoll, Norway

    Else Marie Løbersli & Eiliv Steinnes

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  1. Else Marie Løbersli
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  2. Eiliv Steinnes
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Løbersli, E.M., Steinnes, E. Metal uptake in plants from a birch forest area near a copper smelter in Norway. Water Air Soil Pollut 37, 25–39 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00226477

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00226477

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