Fractionation and distribution of risk elements in soil profiles at a Czech shooting range

Abstract

The fractionation and vertical distribution of risk elements in soil profiles at a shooting range characterized by alkaline soil were studied. High loading rates of lead (Pb) and antimony (Sb) were observed in the upper 30 cm of soil. Copper (Cu) contents are elevated compared to control soil but do not exceed guideline limits for agricultural soil. Zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) did not occur in excessive levels; however, easily mobilizable Zn fraction was higher in surface samples, whereas Ni appears to be relatively immobile. Pb and Cu loading in surface soils can be identified as fraction distributions are easily distinguished from those of non-polluted soils. At the firing line Cu, Sb and Zn are most abundant whereas Ni and Pb are concentrated at the target zone. S equential extraction procedures proved effective for the monitoring of shooting range soils. However, data should be backed by other scenario dependent analyses to confirm the environmental fate of shooting range contaminants.