Mineralogical composition and heavy metal contents of soils from the Itacolomi state park - Ouro Preto/MG

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mineralogy and geochemistry contents of soils from the Itacolomi State Park, in Ouro Preto (MG), and their relationship to the geological scenario. The samples were collected at six depths (0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50 e 50-60 cm) in representative areas from the different lithologies. The chemical elements were determined by ICP-OES and the soil mineralogy determination was performed by X-rays diffraction. The results of the analisys show the geology influence under the soil features. The chemical elements from the soils were compared with standard values defined by the rule CETESB (2005) proving the geological influences on the soil quality. Outliers for several elements were detected in soils. These outliers can be related the lithology indicating natural concentrations because the explored area is a preservation unit without anthropogenic interference.