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33022 
Journal Article 
Heavy metals in cultivated soils and in cereal crops in Alberta 
Dudas, MJ; Pawluk, S 
1977 
1 
Canadian journal of soil science
ISSN: 0008-4271
EISSN: 1918-1841 
PESTAB/77/2277 
57 
3 
329-339 
WOS:A1977DT79900010 
PESTAB. The content of cadmium, cobalt, copper, mercury, manganese, nickel, strontium, lead and zinc in several agricultural soils in Alberta was investigated. The abundances of these heavy metals were found to be low and represent levels naturally present in uncontaminated soils. Both pedogenesis and nature of parent material influenced the levels of heavy metals in surface soil horizons. On a local scale, drainage and groundwater effects contributed significantly to heavy metal redistribution in soil. Levels of heavy metals were also determined in seeds and straw of cereal grain crops grown on the soils of this study. Vegetative samples generally contained low amounts of heavy metals and for some of the physiologically essential elements (Cu, Mn, Zn), amounts in the plant material were at or near deficiency levels. Amounts of cadmium, mercury and lead were generally significantly higher in straw than in respective seed samples. (Author abstract by permission)