Calcium, Mg, Cu, Zn, and Ni contents were significantly higher in the Alfisols compared to the Ultisol. For Ba and Mn, Vandalia was significantly higher than Upshur, which was significantly higher than Gilpin. There were no differences among these three soils for Cd, Cr, and Pb. This discrepancy was due to incomplete removal of insoluble fluorides by the H3BO3 treatment of samples after dissolution in the microwave with the HF method.
Limited information is available on the trace element contents of soils in West Virginia.
Trace elements are primarily derived from soil parent materials and to a smaller extent from anthropogenic sources. Recent interest in metal content of soils involves the contamination potential and toxic effect of these elements on humans and the environment. Baseline data on naturally occurring levels of metals in soils is needed to better understand amounts that can be added in waste material applications to soils. The information is provided to state and federal regulators to help in these determinations.