Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.05.016
Title (Primary) Metals and arsenic in soils and corresponding vegetation at Central Elbe river floodplains (Germany)
Author Overesch, M.; Rinklebe, J.; Broll, G.; Neue, H.-U.
Source Titel Environmental Pollution
Year 2007
Department BOCHE
Volume 145
Issue 3
Page From 800
Page To 812
Language englisch
Keywords heavy metal; arsenic; plant uptake; wetland soils; Elbe River
Abstract Floodplain soils at the Elbe river are frequently polluted with metals and arsenic. High contents of these pollutants were detected down to subsoil layers. NH4NO3-extractable (phytoavailable) Cd, Ni, and Zn were elevated in horizons with high acidity. Among five common floodplain plant species, Artemisia vulgaris showed highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Hg, Alopecurus pratensis of As and Phalaris arundinacea of Ni, Pb, and Zn. Relationships were weak between metal concentrations in plants and phytoavailable stocks in soil. As and Hg uptake seems to be enhanced on long submerged soils. Enrichments of Cd and Hg are linked to a special plant community composition. Grassland herbage sampled in July/August revealed higher concentrations of As (+122%), Hg (+124%), and Pb (+3723%) than in May. To limit harmful transfers into the food chain, low-lying terraces and flood channels revealing highest contaminations or phytoavailabilities should be excluded from mowing and grazing. Soils in the Elbe river floodplains are highly polluted with metals and arsenic and a critical enrichment in the grassland herbage seems to be most likely in flood channels or within special plant species.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=2139
Overesch, M., Rinklebe, J., Broll, G., Neue, H.-U. (2007):
Metals and arsenic in soils and corresponding vegetation at Central Elbe river floodplains (Germany)
Environ. Pollut. 145 (3), 800 - 812 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.05.016