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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:05
Integrated Field Lysimetry and Porewater Sampling for Evaluation of Chemical Mobility in Soils and Established Vegetation
Published on: July 4, 2014
Export of arsenic from forested catchments under easing atmospheric pollution
Lucie Erbanova1, Martin Novak, Daniela Fottova
1Czech Geological Survey, Geologicka 6, 152 00 Prague 5, Czech Republic. lucie.erbanova@geology.cz
Environmental Science & Technology
|October 23, 2008
Summary
Forest ecosystems are exporting significant amounts of arsenic (As) through runoff, contrary to previous beliefs. This release is linked to water flow and reduced acidification, not soil arsenic levels.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Ecotoxicology
- Forest Hydrology
Background:
- Lignite power plants in Central Europe have historically emitted significant arsenic (As).
- Arsenic concentrations in forest runoff have increased, nearing drinking water limits.
- Previous studies suggested forest catchments act as sinks for atmospheric arsenic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the fate of anthropogenic arsenic in forest ecosystems.
- To quantify arsenic export from polluted forest catchments.
- To investigate the relationship between soil arsenic, water flux, and arsenic release.
Main Methods:
- Constructed input/output mass balances for four forest catchments over 11 years.
- Evaluated soil arsenic pool sizes across a 6-fold arsenic pollution gradient.
- Analyzed the correlation between arsenic export, soil arsenic content, and water runoff.
Main Results:
- Two polluted catchments showed significant net arsenic export (4-5 g As ha(-1) yr(-1)), contradicting previous findings.
- Arsenic export was not correlated with total soil arsenic but strongly correlated with water runoff.
- Net arsenic release is influenced by hydrological conditions and decreasing acidification, potentially mobilizing arsenic from humus.
Conclusions:
- Forest catchments can be net exporters of arsenic, particularly under specific hydrological and chemical conditions.
- Water flux and reduced soil acidification are key drivers of arsenic mobilization and export.
- Further research is needed to understand the impact of climate change on arsenic release from soils.
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