Exchangeable form of potentially toxic elements in floodplain soils along the river-marine systems of Southern Russia

Large rivers and especially their deltaic parts adjacent coastal zones are subjected to strong anthropogenic influence often considered as hotspots of environmental pollution. The Don River is one the largest most important in South Russia. basin a highly urbanized area with developed agriculture industry which negatively affect water quality, aquatic ecosystems soils. main objectives proposed research were determine levels exchangeable form PHEs soils various landscapes study area, well reveal relationships between content PTEs physical–chemical properties floodplain obtained results showed that Lower Taganrog Bay zone rather contrast terms metal contents, indicates variability landscapes, natural processes studied systems. High CV values for number metals such Pb, Zn, Cd Cr indirectly indicate on these environments. group median extractable forms except Cu Ni higher areas. PCA analysis there two association geochemical behavior sources. first included Cr-Zn-Pb-Cd, elements origin, second Mn, Ni, Cu, probably mixed origin. diverse complex system activities, pronounced enrichment proportions from different types sources likely can be both local whole scale.