Metal and macronutrient fluxes in heavy-metal polluted Scots pine ecosystems in SW Finland

Cu, Ni, Zn, SO4-S and macronutrient fluxes in Scots pine ecosystems were investigated during 1992-1996 at distances of 0.5, 4 and 8 km from the Harjavalta Cu-Ni smelter, SW Finland. The flux of water percolating down to a soil depth of 5 cm at 0.5 km was more than double that at 4 and 8 km. There was a net loss of Zn from the 40-cm thick soil layer, but a net gain for Cu, Ni and SO4-S. Copper was more strongly retained in the organic layer than Ni. Cu, Ni and Zn fluxes at 0.5 km were extremely large compared to those at 4 and 8 km. The fluxes of Ca, Mg, K and PO4-P to a depth of 5 cm at 0.5 km distance were much higher than the input via bulk precipitation, and the flux of Mg higher than the input in throughfall. There was a net loss of Mg and K at a depth of 40 cm compared to the input via bulk precipitation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.