The distribution of vanadium has been studied to evaluate the environm
ental pollution due to the combustion of fossil fuel and oil refinery
processes. Vanadium is a useful marker for the potential release of to
xic trace metals from fossil fuels, especially oils, as it is always p
resent in these materials, Concentrations were evaluated in the area n
ear the plant, in atmospheric particulate, meteoric water, soils and g
roundwaters. Vanadium can be derived from the industrial areas of the
oil refinery processes or from domestic heating and automotive traffic
. In order to differentiate the contributions of these immissions lead
has also been determined and the lead/vanadium ratios have been consi
dered.