Anthropogenic emissions of metals from sources such as smelters are an
international problem, but there is limited published information on
emissions from Australian smelters. The objective of this study was to
investigate the regional distribution of heavy metals in soils in the
vicinity of the industrial complex of Port Kembla, NSW, Australia, which
comprises a copper smelter, steelworks and associated industries. Soil
samples (n=25) were collected at the depths of 0-5 and 5-20 cm, air
dried and sieved to < 2 mm. Aqua regia extractable amounts of As, Cr,
Cu, Ph and Zn were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry (lCP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission
spectrometry (ICP-AES). Outliers were identified from background levels
by statistical methods. Mean background levels at a depth of 0-5 cm were
estimated at 3.2 mg/kg As, 12 mg/kg Cr, 49 mg/kg Cu, 20 mg/kg Ph and 42
mg/kg Zn. Outliers for elevated As and Cu values were mainly present
within 4 km from the Port Kembla industrial complex, but high Ph at two
sites and high Zn concentrations were found at six sites up to 23 km
from Port Kembla. Chromium concentrations were not anomalous close to
the industrial complex. There was no significant difference of metal
concentrations at depths of 0-5 and 5-20 cm, except for Ph and Zn.
Copper and As concentrations in the soils are probably related to the
concentrations in the parent rock. From this investigation, the extent
of the contamination emanating from the Port Kembla industrial complex
is limited to 1-13 km, but most likely <4 km, depending on the element;
the contamination at the greater distance may not originate from the
industrial complex. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.