The analysis of food products or water supplies for toxic or potentially toxic elements, e.g., heavy metals, is the central problem addressed in this report. An evaluation of this problem in terms of the capabilities and limitations of applicable analytical techniques is the primary thrust of this report. Thus, recommendations regarding the selection of the best analytical methods and technique...

MAMMALS and birds sometimes seek shelter or nesting sites in the ground. Many of them scarcely affect the soil as a medium for plant growth. A notable exception is the soil-dwelling rodents. Although their acreweight is usually only about a few pounds even in the uncultivated land, their soil transporting activities sometimes are considerable. In building their tunnels and nests, they transport...

The first regional topsoil sampling campaign since 2011 maps elevated background concentrations of potentially toxic elements in soils across north-west Syria following more than a decade conflict.