Factors influencing the distribution of heavy metals in the alluvial soils of the Velika Morava River valley, Serbia

This investigation studies the distribution of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and As) in alluvial soils (Fluvisols and Humofluvisols) from the Velika (Greater) Morava river valley, over an area of approximately 110 000 ha used for intensive agricultural and food production. The sampling was carried out as composite (bulk) samples from the plough-layer (0–25 cm), and was based on a regular square grid with intervals set at 5 km. The results obtained are compatible with the average contents of heavy metals in soils, although higher contents of Ni, Pb and As occurred in several samples, particularly the Humofluvisols. Analysis of plants grown in the area under investigation have shown normal contents of heavy metals except for a slightly higher Ni content in beans and sweet-clover. Evidence is presented to show that the Humofluvisols may have received anthropogenic inputs of Pb and Ni but further work is required to confirm this.