Heavy metal accumulations in forest soils along an urban- rural gradient in Southeastern New York, USA

Abstract

Heavy metal contents and concentrations of forest floor and mineral soil were determined in nine oak stands situated along an urban-rural gradient. Twelve composite soil and forest floor samples from each stand were analyzed for seven metal cations. Levels of Cu, Ni, and Pb corresponded with the gradient. The mean urban soil and forest floor Pb concentrations were four times those recorded in forests at the rural end of the gradient, whereas Cu and Ni were two times higher in urban sites. Forest floor metal contents provided an unreliable measure of deposition along the gradient.