Distribuição espacial de elementos potencialmente contaminantes em solos hidromórficos em Uberlândia, MG

Abstract

Wetland, transitional ecosystems of the Cerrado, are of extreme environmental importance, being fundamental for the quality of water and soil and habitat of endemic species. This study analyzed the distribution of heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn, Mn, Fe and Ni) in soils of a vereda in Uberlândia, MG, in the microbasin of the Campo Alegre Stream. A sampling grid of 50 georeferenced points was used and the samples were collected at 0-0.20 m depth. The textural analysis was performed by the pipette method and the determination of the elements was performed by acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrometry. The results revealed that, at higher altitudes (888 m to 862 m), the soil had a higher sand content, while at lower altitudes (858 m to 838 m) there was an increase in silt, indicating erosion and sediment transport. All elements studied presented values above the Quality Reference Values (VRQs), according to the limit permitted by COPAM, indicating that urbanization is the main source of contamination. The results also demonstrate the potential of the erosion process to carry not only sediments, but also trace elements (TEs), expanding the area covered by contamination.