This study has been conducted to evaluate the mobility of trace metals and their phytoavailability in soils exposed different salinity levels caused by waste deposition from soda production in the vicinity of the Ciech Soda Poland S.A. plant. The study was carried out on twelve soil samples from the depth 0-20 cm. Total N, total C and inorganic C content were determined in all the samples. Analyses of total metal content and concentrations of their available fractions were also carried out. All metals were determined by the atomic spectrometry absorption method, using a Philips 2100X spectrometer. In order to perform soil salinity, electrical conductivity (EC) and chloride ions (Cl-) content were measured in selected samples, and ESP (exchangeable sodium percentage) was calculated. The concentration of chloride ions was determined by the Mohr method. In order to cover a large range of soil salinity, measured by EC values, slightly saline samples up to soils with high salt concentrations have been chosen. All analyses were performed with three replications to give arithmetic mean values. Statistical correlation was evaluated using the Statistica computer program. An increase in soil salinity measured by electrical conductivity (EC) altered the mobility and phytoavailability of metals. The content of phytoavailable, DTPA-extractable zinc, lead, copper, manganese and iron varied, but salinity did not influence their mobility in a clear way. It is a consequence of the complexicity of processes that govern the behaviour and mobility of trace metals.  

25.2.2020