Cadmium contents of cultivated soils exposed to contamination in Poland.

Cadmium was measured in soils limed with industrial solid wastes, in cultivated lands located near waste yards and in soils of allotment gardens exposed to contamination. The median level and range of cadmium in soils of varying exposure to contamination was respectively: 0.3 mg kg(-1) and 0.

[Content of metals in vegetables from various regions of poland in the years 1986-1988. II. Content of zinc and copper].

The content of zinc and copper was determined in various sorts of vegetables grown in hothouses or on soil. This content was determined also in the soil where these vegetables were grown. The samples of these vegetables were taken directly from the producers in 18 provinces of Poland from the areas not contaminated by industrial plants and traffic.

[Content of metals in vegetables from various regions of Poland in the years 1986-1988. I. Content of lead, cadmium and mercury].

The content of lead, cadmium and mercury was determined in various sorts of Polish vegetables grown on soil or in hothouses in the years 1986-1988 using for the determination of Pb and Cd the extraction flame ASA method after dry mineralization at about 400 degrees C and for Hg the flameless ASA method after wet mineralization. In 1988 soil investigations were conducted parallelly in the areas where these vegetables had been grown. Vegetable samples were taken directly from the producers in 18 provinces, from areas not contaminated with these metals by industrial plants and traffic.

[Selenium in human environment].

Selenium belongs to the group of elements which may be regarded as useful only in a very narrow range, while in excess doses they exert a harmful action. The content of the element in soil is usually from 0.1 to 2 mg/kg, with the Scandinavian soils have a low level of selenium, not exceeding 0.

Evaluation of mercury level in waters, bottom sediments and soils in selected rural areas.

The studies carried out aimed at evaluation of the mercury level in waters, bottom sediments and soils in selected rural areas, during the season of mercury biocides application and after their withdrawal from agricultural use. Generally, in the period between 1976-1980 the mercury level in 1268 environmental samples has been examined. Shallow dug wells of bad technical state and wrong location particularly exposed to contamination, have been selected for the studies.