The dispersal of arsenic, chromium and copper from a wood treatment factory, and their effect on soil, vegetation and crops

Abstract

Substantial accumulations of As, Cr and Cu have been found in soil samples from a wood treatment factory, with average concentrations as high as 5312, 2552 and 2211 μgg‐1 for As, 3996, 2046 and 2005 μgg‐1 for Cr and 5424, 3460 and 3710 μgg‐1 for Cu at the solution mixing, treated‐wood storage and drainage sites, respectively. Average levels of 597 μgg‐1 As, 498 μgg‐1 Cr and 763 μgg‐1 Cu occurred at the sites within about 200 m of the factory. The metal levels in surface soils were found to decrease significantly with distance from the treatment and storage sites. High levels of these metals were also found in vegetation, as well as vegetables and crops grown within the factory premises. Elevated levels of the metals were found in most species from the sites exposed to the chemicals compared with determined background values. The accuracy of the INAA method used was verified by the analysis of some biological standard reference materials.