Real and simulated bioavailability of lead in contaminated and uncontaminated soils

BACKGROUND Lead (Pb) is a toxic element that occurs in elevated concentrations in soils, mostly as a result of anthropogenic activities. This study assess the Pb bioavailability in soils from two areas with different contamination level using Diffusive Gradients in Thin-Films (DGT) technique, single extractions and metal contents of vegetables grown on contaminated soils. RESULTS In the area situated far from mining and smelting activities, the pseudo total Pb concentration (12 - 51 mg kg(-1) dw) was found to be comparable to that normally found in unpolluted areas. In the area from the vicinity of the Pb smelter very high concentrations of pseudo-total Pb (850 - 9300 mg kg(-1) dw) were found. The average concentrations of Pb accumulated in onion, garlic, carrot, and parsley grown on this contaminated soils were 18, 48, 38 and 91 mg kg(-1) dw, respectively, and represent a risk factor for the consumers. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates the utility of DGT technique for the assessment of Pb bioavailability, since, generally, better correlations are obtained between the effective Pb concentration and Pb concentration in vegetables than for bioavailable Pb determined by chemical extractions and Pb concentration in vegetables.