Seasonal Variability of Trace Elements by Soil Depth in a Protected Area

ABSTRACT Conservation units are legally protected areas containing natural fragments of Brazilian biomes. They may contain forest areas and can be found near to urban areas, which exposes them to pollutants. The Cicuta Forest Area of Relevant Ecological Interest (ARIE) is located in Volta Redonda and Barra Mansa-RJ, cities with industrial activity and near to the President Dutra Highway (BR 116), which connects the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. This study aimed to analyze the seasonal variability of the trace elements Pb, Cd, Cu, Mn, Zn and Ni in relation to soil depth in this ARIE, using the slice-wise algorithm to divide-up the soil data into 1 cm thick layers. The results show differences between sampling sites and seasonal variation by depth for trace elements. The highest Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations in the areas bordering the forest show that forest conservation minimized anthropic impact.