Abstract
The adverse effects of anthropogenic activities have led to increasing inorganic and organic contaminant levels in soil and vegetation in highly industrialised areas and megapolitan regions. In this study, the status of risk elements (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils of the medium-sized (100,000 inhabitants) city Hradec Králové (Czech Republic) was assessed.
In total, 86 sampling points were established; we collected soil samples as well as the aboveground parts of the plant species dandelion (Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia) and doorweed (Polygonum aviculare), occurring at all sampling points.
Elevated values of As (up to 51 mg/kg) and Cd (up to 3.0 mg/kg) were found in soils; the high mobility of Cd in these soils resulted in elevated Cd contents in T. sect. Ruderalia at several hotspots.
The element contents, mobility and interrelationships in the soil, however, indicated mainly geogenic sources of these elements. Low PAH contents were found in the soils, suggesting a low environmental risk in this city, which is mainly due to the absence of industrial plants and high traffic density.