Heavy metals in Jamaican surface soils
A H Johnson1, G C Lalor, J Preston
1Centre for Nuclear Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
Environmental Geochemistry and Health
|November 7, 2013
Summary
Jamaican soils show elevated heavy metal levels, particularly lead in residential areas. Soil element distribution is strongly linked to the island's bauxite geology and associated terra rossa soils.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Soil Science
Background:
- Jamaica's surface soils were surveyed to establish a geochemical database.
- Understanding elemental concentrations is crucial for environmental, agricultural, and health applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a high-precision geochemical database for Jamaican soils.
- To assess regional elemental levels for various applications.
Main Methods:
- Over 200 soil samples were collected across Jamaica at a density of 1 per 64 km(2).
- Elemental analysis was performed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS).
Main Results:
- Regional data for Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Mercury (Hg), and Lead (Pb) are presented.
- Jamaican soils are enriched in several heavy metals compared to global averages.
- Lead (Pb) is notably prevalent in residential areas.
Conclusions:
- Soil element distribution maps, except for Copper (Cu), correlate with Jamaica's bauxite deposits.
- Bauxite is associated with white limestone geology and residual terra rossa soils.
- The findings provide baseline data for environmental and health assessments in Jamaica.
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