Distribution of Toxic Trace Metals Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu in Tirupati Soils, India

The concentrations of toxic trace metals in the soil samples collected from Tirupati, India, have been determined using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). The total metal concentrations of the soils in the study area were in the following ranges: 19.5 to 23.6 mg of Zn, 0.032 to 0.036 mg of Cd, 15.8 to 18.9 mg of Pb, and 19.0 to 23.4 mg of Cu per kg soil. Analysis of standard reference material IAEA-SOIL-5 indicates good accuracy. Recoveries were nearly quantitative for all elements studied. Comparison of the average metal concentration levels with world averages indicates an elevated value for Pb. The applicability of this method was crosschecked with AAS and the results were in good agreement.

Keywords:

• Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry
• soil pollution
• Zn
• Cd
• Pb and Cu
• Tirupati soils
• India

Notes

*Dutch A and B values are indicative values set by Dutch authorities for investigation of a site for possible rehabilitation or restriction of land use and maximum background value.