Author(s)

L.Y. Li & H. Preciado

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination resulting from vehicles is a continuing global problem. This study monitored a highway, and evaluated the contribution of traffic to metal contamination of roadside soils from atmospheric and runoff processes. The metals investigated were Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn. Dust deposition measured using a Frisbee dust gauge showed a rapid decrease in deposition with distance from the highway. Surface soil samples in the right-of-way (ROW) exhibited a similar pattern for lead, copper and zinc up to the edge of the ROW (12 m from the shoulder). At the edge of the ROW, deposition was still two or three times greater than background dust loadings. Total metal concentrations in runoff were consistent with road dust concentrations and decreased in concentration in the order Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu≥Pb. Concentrations tended to increase as road dust load continued to accumulat

Keywords