Origin and content of nickel in alluvial-diluvial soils of Srem, Serbia

This paper presents the results of 30 representative samples of alluvial-diluvial soils of Srem region of Serbia. The following basic chemical properties were examined: active soil acidity (pH in H2O), substitutional acidity (pH in 1M KCl), CaCO3 content, humus content, total nitrogen content, and content of available forms of phosphorus and potassium. The paper shows the characteristics, origins, behaviour and content of total and available nickel in the soil. Average value of total nickel in the analyzed soil samples was above the MAC 115.95 mg/kg, while the mean value of available nickel was 1.484 mg/kg. The share of available nickel in total nickel is a good indicator of the origin of soil contamination. Having identified a low percentage of readily available nickel in total nickel (an average of 1.36%), we can conclude that the content of Ni in the soils of Srem is of natural origin and that there is no threat that this element would enter the food chain.