Soil Processes, Pedofeatures and Microscale Metal Distributions: Relevant Study of Contaminant-Dynamics Calls for Pedology-Based Soil-Depth Sampling Strategies

摘要: Short-term variations of soil conditions affect the form, mobility and bioavailability metal pollutants. Released metals migrate toward depth where they are intercepted or precipitate, leading to variable spatial distribution patterns, at a macro-, meso- microscale. Studies mesoscale give access trace (TM) associations induced by pedological processes. Although scarcely documented, such meso-scale studies represent an essential step for relevant environmental risk assessment, halfway between field- molecular-scale investigations. We argued approach performing optical microscopy micro-X-ray fluorescence on thin sections from two soils, contaminated either industrial zinc-smelter waste urban wastewater. Consistent correlation key indicators processes (Fe, Mn, Ca) (Zn, Pb, Cu) some 20 elemental maps TM-hosting constituents pedofeatures reveal distinct coinciding localizations, illustrating TM-accumulation via interception (co)-precipitation Micromorphological interpretation characteristic in subsurface horizons (crystals, argillans, ferrans, mangans) containing significant amounts TM provide valuable insight into contaminant dynamics terms lixiviation, colloidal transport, redox conditions, fungal activity. Our stresses importance pedology-based sampling strategies, instead systematic soil-depth sampling, contamination research natural ecosystems