Major and trace element distribution in the peat from ombrotrophic bogs in Latvia

Abstract

This study was undertaken to analyse major and trace elements and the nature of their accumulation in peat, with a particular emphasis on peat properties and the impact of local and regional pollution sources on the character of element accumulation in ombrotrophic bogs in Latvia. The element concentration values in peat from Latvia reflect the local processes that affect element concentrations in the peat mass, indicating accumulation of trace elements – apparently of anthropogenic origin (Pb, Cd, Co, Ni and others) – in the upper layers of the peat profiles. In addition, they indicate accumulation of several elements (for example, As, Cr and others) in deeper layers of bog, possibly due to the feeding pattern, depending on the saturation of the groundwater.

Keywords:

• Peat
• major and trace elements
• accumulation
• pollution