Metal and macronutrient fluxes in heavy-metal polluted Scots pine ecosystems in SW Finland

Cu, Ni, Zn, SO4–S and macronutrient fluxes in Scots pine ecosystems were investigated during 1992–1996 at distances of 0.5, 4 and 8 km from the Harjavalta Cu–Ni smelter, SW Finland. The flux of water percolating down to a soil depth of 5 cm at 0.5 km was more than double that at 4 and 8 km. There was a net loss of Zn from the 40-cm thick soil layer, but a net gain for Cu, Ni and SO4–S. Copper was more strongly retained in the organic layer than Ni. Cu, Ni and Zn fluxes at 0.5 km were extremely large compared to those at 4 and 8 km. The fluxes of Ca, Mg, K and PO4–P to a depth of 5 cm at 0.5 km distance were much higher than the input via bulk precipitation, and the flux of Mg higher than the input in throughfall. There was a net loss of Mg and K at a depth of 40 cm compared to the input via bulk precipitation.