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Heavy metal contamination near major highways, industrial and urban areas in belgian grassland

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Abstract

An investigation was made of the Zn, Cu, Mn, and Pb contents in samples of soil and grass collected along highways and in fields adjoining industrial zones in Belgium. Soil contamination by Zn and Pb was quite pronounced along highways and in some cases contamination by Mn was also observed. Contamination by these heavy metals decreased rapidly with increasing distance from the highway. High values of metal accumulation in plants located near highways were observed. The accumulation of Pb was particularly pronounced. Contamination by Cu, Zn, Pb and possibly Mn in soils of some urban gardens was also recorded.

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Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel. No. 836-E, 1983 series.

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Albasel, N., Cottenie, A. Heavy metal contamination near major highways, industrial and urban areas in belgian grassland. Water Air Soil Pollut 24, 103–109 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00229522

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00229522

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