Spatial Variability of Cadmium and Lead in Natural Soils of a Humid Mediterranean Environment: La Rioja, Spain

The concentration levels of cadmium and lead in 250 horizon samples from 125 different soil profiles of undisturbed soils of La Rioja, Spain, were determined. Knowledge of regional contents as well as the variability and background values of trace elements in soils is of critical importance to assess human impact on the soil environment and to determine baseline values and quality standards. Heavy-metal horizontal distribution was mainly affected by the nature of the bedrock and, to a smaller extent, anthropogenic activity. Vertical distributions were mainly of a natural origin depending first on the bedrock and second on the result of soil processes.