Trace elements in Al-Fe-humus podzolic soils subjected to aerial pollutionfrom the copper-nickel production industry in conditions of varying lithogenic background

Numerous data on the concentration of trace elements (Rb, Cs, Ag, Au, Sr, B a, Zn, Cd, Sc, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb, Th, U, Zr, Hf, As, Sb, V, Ta , Se, Cr, Mo, W, Co, Ni, Br, and Ir) in Al-Fe-humus podzolic soils developi ng from different types of rocks and subjected to different levels of aeria l pollution from the copper and nickel production industry are considered. The distribution of elements by the profiles of soils on Quaternary sedimen ts has common regularities. Rare-earth elements, actinides, Rb, Cs, and Sc display an eluvial type of distribution, whereas Zr and Hf tend to accumula te in topmost mineral horizons. Biogenic accumulation is found for Cu, Ni, Co, Ag, Au, Se, Sb, and Ir. In polluted soils, the accumulation of these el ements in organic horizons becomes especially well manifested. Organic soil horizons are biogeochemical barriers for these elements in conditions of s evere atmospheric pollution that, eventually, leads to the development of i ndustrial barrens. Owing to the barrier effect of organic horizons, the dis tribution of these elements in mineral soil horizons is fully controlled by the lithogenic factor.