Metal enrichment of soils following the April 2012–2013 eruptive activity of the Popocatépetl volcano, Puebla, Mexico

P. F. Rodriguez-Espinosa, M. P. Jonathan, S. S. Morales-García, Lorena Elizabeth Campos Villegas, E. Martínez-Tavera, N. P. Muñoz-Sevilla, Miguel Alvarado Cardona

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

We analyzed the total (Zn, Pb, Ni, Hg, Cr, Cd, Cu, As) and partially leachable metals (PLMs) in 25 ash and soil samples from recent (2012–2013) eruptions of the Popocatépetl Volcano in Central Mexico. More recent ash and soil samples from volcanic activity in 2012–2013 had higher metal concentrations than older samples from eruptions in 1997 suggesting that the naturally highly volatile and mobile metals leach into nearby fresh water sources. The higher proportions of As (74.72 %), Zn (44.64 %), Cu (42.50 %), and Hg (32.86 %) reflect not only their considerable mobility but also the fact that they are dissolved and accumulated quickly following an eruption. Comparison of our concentration patterns with sediment quality guidelines indicates that the Cu, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, and Pb concentrations are higher than permissible limits; this situation must be monitored closely as these concentrations may reach lethal levels in the future.

Original languageEnglish
Article number717
JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment
Volume187
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Nov 2015

Keywords

  • Mexico
  • Popocatépetl volcano
  • Soil
  • Toxicity
  • Trace metals
  • Volcanic ash

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