Content of potentially toxic elements in soil of urban parks in Novi Sad

Abstract

This paper reports on the presence of potentially toxic elements in the soil of urban parks in in the city of Novi Sad, Serbia. The surface soil samples (0-10 cm depth) were collected in seven urban parks. The chemical properties of the soil, as well as the particle size distribution of the 2 mm fraction, were determined. Pseudo-total concentrations and available (in EDTA) content of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were measured using an ICP-OES device. The samples were analyzed for total Hg content using Direct Mercury Analyzer. The limit value was exceeded by two soil samples, one for Cu (44.9 mg/kg) and one for Ni (50.4 mg/kg).