The trace element distribution in peat soils affected by natural burning events: A proxy of the original composition and metals mobility assessment.

This work evaluates for the first time the effects on the trace element composition of peat soils affected by natural burning events, a recurrent phenomenon in the reclaimed wetland of the Mezzano Lowland (Padanian plain, NE Italy). The trace element distribution of two neighboring soil profiles, one pristine and one deeply affected by burning events, were compared to identify the original geochemical fingerprint of saltmarsh peat environment. The pre-combustion composition of the fired profile was reconstructed to infer the physico-chemical changes occurred as a consequence of the burning event, with a special attention to the mobility of elements of environmental concern, such as potentially toxic trace metals.