Acidic Soils Increase Toxic Metal Mobility, Threatening Ecosystems and Health.
Elevated levels of lead, zinc, and copper in soil can come from industrial activities and other sources. In this study, researchers looked at how these metals become more soluble in soil when the pH decreases. They found that lower pH levels can make these metals more mobile and harmful to plants and animals. The type of soil also affects how much of these metals dissolve, with calcareous soil showing higher solubility. This information can help us understand how to manage and reduce the impact of heavy metals in soil.