P. Loro1
Abstract: The purpose of
this study was to create a database of heavy metals in agricultural topsoils
which could be used to establish if the interim assessment criteria in New
Brunswick's Guideline for Issuing Certificates of Approval for the Utilization
of Wastes as Soil Additives, May 1996 support the application of
non-agricultural wastes to land. One hundred and eighteen samples were taken
from agricultural topsoils across the province. The samples were analyzed for
trace elements including arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, chromium, lead,
mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium and zinc. Lead, arsenic and, in
particular, nickel levels were above the current interim assessment criteria for
municipal or industrial waste application to land in some locations. The
agricultural areas from Madawaska County down the St. John River Valley to about
Fredericton were high in nickel which appeared to be of bedrock origin. Elevated
arsenic levels, on the other hand, were found in a number of isolated locations
throughout the province and may be related to human activity. There was only one
location, located on Grand Manan Island, where the soil concentration of lead
exceeded the guideline limit.
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