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Ambient background and quality reference values for trace metals in soils from Algeria

Author

Listed:
  • Abdelkader Laribi
  • Charles Shand

    (The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, United Kingdom)

  • Renate Wendler

    (The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, United Kingdom)

  • Brahim Mouhouche

    (Département de Génie Rural, Laboratoire de Maîtrise de l'eau en Agriculture (LMEA), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique (ENSA), El Harrach, Algiers, Algeria)

  • Stephen Hillier

    (The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
    Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden)

  • Gilles Colinet

    (University of Liège, Gembloux Agro Bio-Tech, BIOSE Dpt, Gembloux, Belgium)

Abstract

The establishment of the reference ambient background concentrations (ABCs) and quality reference values (QRVs) for trace metal (TM) concentrations in soils are required for the environmental assessment and any implementation of a protective action. This information is lacking for soils of the eastern Mitidja plain, which is an important agricultural production area in Algeria. Data for the aqua regia extractable Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations from 180 composite topsoil samples taken across the Mitidja plain in a stratified random pattern were statistically analysed. Descriptive statistical methods and linear regression equations were applied to determine the upper limit of the ABCs for the TMs. After removal of outliers, the derived QRVs were: Cd 0.24, Cr 62.1, Cu 99.3, Fe 45 590, Ni 47.7, Pb 33 and Zn 115 mg/kg. Iron is a macro element in the soils, but is included as its concentration can be used to normalise the concentrations of the other elements. The derived QRVs are similar or less than those reported for other regions of the world, apart from Cu, where a wide range (36 to 206 mg/kg) is reported. These reference values can be used to identify areas that may require follow-up surveys or to identify priority sites for decision making.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdelkader Laribi & Charles Shand & Renate Wendler & Brahim Mouhouche & Stephen Hillier & Gilles Colinet, 2023. "Ambient background and quality reference values for trace metals in soils from Algeria," Soil and Water Research, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 18(1), pages 33-42.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlswr:v:18:y:2023:i:1:id:143-2021-swr
    DOI: 10.17221/143/2021-SWR
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