Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Environmental Studies (MES)

Department

Geography & Environmental Studies

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Michael English

Advisor Role

Thesis Co-Supervisor

Second Advisor

D. Scott Slocombe

Advisor Role

Thesis Co-Supervisor

Abstract

Industrial development influences the natural and human environment. At the local scale, the most intensive industrial pollution is in the area of factories and industrial centers. Industrial pollution is concentrated in soil and vegetation (then, using water systems and trophic chains it may enter all ecosystem components). The industrial pollution of the Sudbury region includes mostly sulfur dioxide and heavy metals. The main goal of this study was to examine spatial variability in metal distribution in soil for the Sudbury area. Objectives of the work were to describe metal distribution depending on geographic factors such as topographic location, vegetation cover, distance from the source of pollution and influence of metals oon human’s health. For reaching the goal of the work a sampling methodology was developed. Samples of the little layer, and the A and B soil horizons were taken from different locations to study the distribution of heavy metals in the area. The studies also included short botanical descriptions. All samples were later tested using X-ray fluorescent analysis. Results allowed the conclusion that metal concentrations vary according to the soil horizons and vegetation and topograpphy of surrounding areas. Emission levels from the single source of main pollutants are still high due to which all surrounding ecosystems are still under a strong environmental stress. High levels of metals in surrounding agricultural areas have increased the potential negative influence on human health.

Convocation Year

2003

Convocation Season

Spring

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Soil Science Commons

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