Major and trace elements distribution in Moldavian soils

Abstract

The content of seven major and 26 trace elements were investigated by Epithermal Neuron Activation Analysis in a set of 17 samples of soil collected at a depth of 20 to 40 cm from Romanesti and Cricova vineyards. All data were interpreted within the Upper Continental Crust and Average Soil models as well as in accordance with sanitary norms concerning soil contamination. It was evidenced that the mineral material is very close to the Upper Continental Crust with a certain degree of chemical weathering and a prolonged process of sorting and recycling, which sustains the hypothesis of a mature, well developed soil. The content of Cr, Mn, Co, Zn and As, proved that, with excepting As, the soil have no traces of anthropogenic contamination. The As content, according to existing data, can be regarded as a characteristic of Moldavian soils, not related to any industrial polluting process.