Trace element distribution in three karst soil profiles from Slovenia

Abstract

In the karstic area in three deep soil profiles in typical karst pockets of the so called terra rossa the trace element contents were considered. In total 45 samples were collected at various depths. Results show that Mo, Ni, As, V, Hg, Sb, Bi, U, Cu, Li, Cr and Co contents in profiles considerably exceed the Slovenian averages. Pb, Zn and Sb contents are on the level of Slovenian median values. Contents of Ba, Sr and Mn in considered soils are slightly lower of the Slovenian soil averages. The value of mean enrichment factors in profiles with respect to Slovenian median values is by far the highest for molybdenum. In the Pliskovica profile it amounts to 31, and in the other profiles to around 5. Also for mercury, uranium and in part nickel the enrichment factor in the Pliskovica profile is more than twice as high as in other two profiles. Most considered trace element contents show an increasing tendency with depth. In the upper part of profiles, in the A horizont, the trace element contents are lower, and in the soil pocket distinctly increased.