The objective of this research was to assess the total concentrations and pools of trace elements in the surface layers of organic soils in the Stołowe Mountains (central Sudetes). Trace element concentrations are discussed in relation to the site variability and soil properties. Moreover, an attempt is made to assess the dominant source of trace elements in the peatlands, by comparison of different types of peatlands (fen – peat bogs). Peat coring and sampling were carried out along five research transects in September 2013. In total, 19 sampling plots were established within 5 shallow peatlands. The following soil properties were determined in the sampled peat material: ash content, bulk density, degree of peat decomposition, soil pH,  total organic carbon (TOC) and the total content of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd. The pools of trace elements were calculated for the 0-30 cm topsoil layer. In the study, no statistically significant correlations were found between an altitude and trace element content, which might be the result of small  differences in elevation between the study sites. Additionally, this result might have been caused by differences in the organic matter content and soil pH among the study sites, confirmed by statistical analyses. Trace element concentrations and pools in peat soils are the result of both air deposition and groundwater interflow. Fen peatlands obtain a large load of elements mainly from substrates. The highest air-borne pollutant deposition rates (Pb in particular) were recorded in the 10-20 cm layer of the peat bog soils, what is due to the historical deposition of pollutants from the former “Black Triangle” region.

22.4.2017