Heavy metals in some soils of Western Georgia

The results of studying the background content of heavy metals in some soils of Western Georgia are considered. The total contents of chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc were measured in samples from soil pits located in accordance with a 5-km square grid. The results of the laboratory investigations, which were processed using the statistical methods suggested by Salminen and Baitse, were the basis for the calculation of the background characteristics. Both methods are based on the use of medians that do not reflect the influence of anomalous heavy metal concentrations resulting from the anthropogenic impact, which cannot be avoided even when the locations of the soil pits are carefully chosen. The statistical methods used are compared; the advantage of the Salminen method is shown for soils that are not directly exposed to the influence of pollution sources. The background characteristics obtained are compared to the published ones. A conclusion is reached concerning the possible use of the Salminen method for the soils of Georgia.