Concentrations of trace elements in organic soils are a result of natural accumulation or due to anthropogenic factors. A field study was carried out in May 2008 on selected sites in the Izera Mountains. Soil samples were collected from 8 profiles of organic soils. Four soil profiles were located on the plateau meadow called Hala Izerska, at the altitude of 835-850 m a.s.l. The other 4 profiles were located in the mountain range known as the Grzbiet Wysoki, at 909-990 m a.s.l. The concentration and pools of heavy metals were determined according to the elevation, depth in soil profile, content of organic matter and soil pH. The content of trace elements (Pb, Cu, Zn) was determined after wet mineralization of samples in nitric acid, using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Pools of trace elements were recalculated into g m–2 in the 0-30 cm layer of soil. The aim was to determine the influence of altitude on concentrations of trace elements in organic soils profiles. Organic soils from the Grzbiet Wysoki and Hala Izerska showed significant contamination, mainly with lead and zinc. The elements were most abundant in surface horizons. With an increasing depth into the soil profile, the content of trace elements decreased. The arithmetic means showed strong dominance of lead on zinc and copper in the examined profiles. The Grzbiet Wysoki, due to its higher location above the sea level, is more exposed to atmospheric deposition of contaminants than Hala Izerska. However, the concentration of Cu is higher in organic soils from Hala Izerska. Statistical analysis showed significant positive correlation between the Pb concentration and altitude. With an increasing altitude, the content of Pb in soil also increased. Zinc and lead correlate highly negatively with the depth into the soil profile. With an increasing depth, the content of these elements decreases.

18.2.2013