PhD project: Speciation, mobility, bioavailability and effects of anthropogenic trace metals (Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb) in soils.

Institutt for plante- og miljøvitenskap

PhD student: Hilary Mobbs
Supervisor: Jan Mulder
Duration: 2004-2007

This Ph.D. project is investigating the links between trace metal speciation, mobility and bioavailability in soils, and the effects on soil microbial processes in contaminated ecosystems. Field research is being carried out in Odda, Western Norway, where soils are heavily contaminated with trace metals (including Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb) due to decades of aerial emissions from local industry. The field research is supplemented by laboratory studies on disturbed and undisturbed soils under controlled conditions. Along with current trace metal behaviour, the effects of changes in chemical inputs to soil (e.g. sea-salt episodes, altered DOC conditions) are being investigated.

Trace metal processes in soils are modelled using the physico-chemical equilibrium model WHAM. In addition, emipirical modelling is used to derive transfer functions for metals in soils. Transfer functions based on field, lab and literature data are compared, and used to investigate critical loads of trace metals in soils.

High levels of bioavailable trace metals in soils in the Odda region have been linked to an increase in metal tolerance in soil microbial communities. One aspect of this project is to investigate the effect of metal bioavailability upon microbial functioning, specifically the rate of microbial degradation of soil organic matter and production of DOC, which in turn plays an important role in metal solubility and transport.


Updated: 03.04.06
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