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The distribution of heavy metal contaminated soils in Northeast Clwyd, Wales

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Abstract

Samples of surface soil were collected on a regular grid from an area of 260 km2 in and around the Halkyn Mountain Pb mining district of northeast Clwyd, Wales. They were analyzed for organic content, pH, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Computer-drawn isoline (contour) maps using SYMAP, and a perspective block diagram using SYMVU, were prepared from the metal data. Extensive areas of Cd, Pb, and Zn contamination and smaller areas of Cu contamination were found. They were explained by pollution from Pb and Zn mining and smelting and the degree of contamination reflected the relative amounts of ore produced. Contamination by Cd was explained by its occurrence in sphalerite (ZnS) at levels of about 1%. The metal levels were compared with soil contents found in other contaminated areas and its was concluded that the Cd and Pb problem in Clwyd is as severe as any hitherto reported.

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Author notes

  1. L. J. Roberts

    Present address: Ministry of Agriculture, Plas Crug, Aberystwyth

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, Dyfed, Wales

    B. E. Davies & L. J. Roberts

Authors
  1. B. E. Davies
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  2. L. J. Roberts
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Davies, B.E., Roberts, L.J. The distribution of heavy metal contaminated soils in Northeast Clwyd, Wales. Water Air Soil Pollut 9, 507–518 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00213546

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00213546

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