A survey of zinc, lead and cadmium in soil and natural vegetation around a smelting complex
Analysis of samples of leaves and soil collected in the Avonmouth area of Severnside shows the distribution of airborne zinc, lead and cadmium to be strongly affected by prevailing wind conditions. Levels of zinc, lead, and cadmium in elm leaves collected in October 1971 range from 8000, 5000 and 50 ppm dry matter respectively close to a smelting complex, to values of about 200, 100 and less than 0·25 ppm respectively at distances of 10 to 15 km from the factory. It is clear that considerable contamination of the natural vegetation has occurred, and is occurring, in this area.