Distribution and bioaccessibility of metals in soils in public parks in peri-urban Calgary

Abstract

The concentrations and bioaccessibility of metals in peri-urban area of Calgary, Alberta, were assessed. Soil sampling was performed at 48 locations in public parks and playgrounds in peri-urban areas around the City of Calgary, including Airdrie, Chestermere, the Town of Okotoks, and the Town of Cochrane. The samples were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. In vitro bioaccessibility tests were performed to assess metal bioavailability in a subset of the samples. X-ray fluorescence analysis showed a strong correlation with ICP-MS results. Metal concentrations in the samples analyzed were below the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment soil quality guidelines for residential/parkland use with mean bioaccessibility between 1.4% and 65.9%. Therefore, the potential risk was deemed low based on the metal concentrations and bioaccessibility values. The relationships between metal concentrations in soil samples analyzed, and air emission sources were low except for zinc. Keywords: soil, metal concentration, parks and playgrounds, bioaccessibility.