Atmospheric Emissions and Depositions of Cadmium, Lead, and Zinc in Europe During the Period 1955-1987

Olendrzynski, K., Anderberg, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7131-7353, Bartnicki, J., Pacyna, J., & Stigliani, W.M. (1995). Atmospheric Emissions and Depositions of Cadmium, Lead, and Zinc in Europe During the Period 1955-1987. IIASA Working Paper. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: WP-95-035

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Abstract

This paper presents a preliminary estimate of atmospheric emissions of cadmium, lead and zinc in Europe during the period 1955-1987. The emission data are used as input to the IIASA's atmospheric transport model, TRACE m a c e toxic Air concentrations in Europe), to compute cumulative deposition loads of heavy metals onto European soils during the investigated time period. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt of this kind in the open literature. The computed with the TRACE model maxima of cumulative depositions for the three metals are approximately: 60 mg/m2 for Cd, 1450 mg/m2 for Pb and 2600 mg/m2 in the case of zinc. The results presented should be considered first-order approximations.

Major uncertainties embedded in such calculations are discussed. Heavy metals enter the soils from atmospheric load and with the application of fertilizers and sewage sludge. Once in the soil the metals can be mobilized, leading to plant and ground water contamination. This threat is particularly valid for heavily polluted regions in Central Europe. The results of this study can be applied in assessing environmental and health effects of heavy metals, and therefore are important for scientists as well as policy makers.

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