Heavy Metal Pollution of Soil in Vienna, Austria

Abstract Along an urbanization gradient, we explored the soil metal pollution in Vienna, Austria. We analyzed physical and chemical parameters of topsoil from urban, suburban, rural areas. The following elements were quantified using ICP-OES technique: Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sr, Zn. For heavy metals, PI (pollution index) values used to assess level pollution. found that concentration Zn was higher urban suburban area than area. indicated a moderate by Cd (1 ≤ 2) along gradient. low for ( 1) studied Our findings demonstrated presence anthropogenic contamination, it is likely traffic emission may be major source Vienna. also elemental analysis are adequate indicators based on sample ecosystems.