Heavy Metal Content in the Soil along the Road No. 7 near Chyżne

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the content of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the soil near Road No. 7, near Chyżne. Soil samples were collected in 12 transects (locations) on the east (downwind) and west (upwind) sides of the road. The samples were taken at a distance of: 5, 50, 100, 300, 500, and 600 m from the edge of the road. Six transects were located in the open area, and another six in the forest. The zinc content in the soil was the highest while that of copper was the lowest. Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations decreased with increasing distance from the road. Differences in the concentration of metals in the soil on the upwind and downwind sides were found. The contents of all tested metals in the soil were higher on the downwind side of the road compared to the concentrations of metals on the upwind side.