Suitability of chemical extraction to assess risks of toxicity induced by soil trace metal bioavailability.

The prediction of soil trace metal bioavailability using extractions has two direct applications: i) evaluation of soil chemical fertility and nutrient deficiency, as has been used widely in different countries for many years; and ii) risk assessment of phytotoxicity and contamination of the food chain induced by polluted soils. In this latter case, few countries have defined guide values. In order to choose one of the extraction methods proposed in the literature, and then define such references for France, a review of research concerning the chemical estimation of Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr and Pb plant uptake in the last twenty years was undertaken. In conclusion, the use of unbuffered salt solutions seems to be the most suitable way to i) estimate trace element transfert from polluted soil to plant and ii) define guide values for risk assessment.