Heavy metal trends in surface soils around a cement plant

In the geographical area of Lake Maggiore (northern Italy) a group of municipalities agreed to 'Agenda 21', a United Nations action plan regarding sustainable development. A study was thus set up to investigate the possible influence of a cement plant, which is also used for industrial residues combustion, on soil quality. Samples were taken from soils representative of different land uses (natural, agricultural and urban) over a four-year period at a depth of 0-3 cm, and the cement plant was identified as a possible point source. The total metal concentration in the soil fell within the range of Italian uncontaminated soils, and was largely below the levels that define soil pollution according to Italian legislation; however, an increasing trend of Cr over time was observed. This multi-year study has examined the pattern of metal concentrations over time and provides a good starting point for further research integrating environmental and health data.