CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
Search Results
Author : Bowman, C.; and Bobrowsky, P.
Date : 2001.
Title : Determination of heavy metal concentrations and associated health hazards in the soils of Victoria, British Columbia.
Publication : Canadian Quaternary Association/ Association canadienne pour l'etude du Quaternaire, Annual Meeting 2001. Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, August 20 – 24, 2001.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
During the past decade there has been an increasing number of reported incidents involving trace elements (e.g., arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury) and their adverse effects on human health. The impact of these and other geogenic contaminants on human health and the environment has been recorded around the world (e.g., Canada, USA and Bangladesh). This study involves an investigation of the relationship between geology, geochemistry and health in the city of Victoria, Canada. To date, 294 soil samples have been taken from 17 census tracts within the municipality of Victoria. At all sites,samples were collected at a depth of 5 cm below surface, and at selected sites deeper, C-horizon samples were obtained to establish background element concentrations. Additional background data were obtained from local bedrock and till samples. Additional surface samples were also collected specifically from playgrounds within the census tracts sampled. All samples collected thus far have been evaluated by ICP-MS for 35 trace elements at two size fractions: 80 microns and 2 millimeters. Loss on ignition analysis has been determined for the 2mm fraction. The ICP-MS results indicate that a number of the samples are well above the Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines for Soils for lead, copper, zinc, and arsenic. Detailed interpretation of the data awaits the completion of sample collection, health data compilation and further analysis. However, preliminary interpretation of the results indicates that dangerous levels of various trace elements occur in the urban environment and do pose a threat to the health of the general populace.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology