Metal content in soil and black spruce (Picea mariana) trees in the Sudbury region (Ontario, Canada): low concentration of arsenic, cadmium, and nickel detected near smelter sources.

Several studies have reported high metal concentrations in soil within the vicinity of smelters in the Sudbury (Ontario) region. Continued investigation and monitoring of soil and vegetation are essential to the understanding of ecosystem recovery following the reduction of emissions from smelters and the establishment of a reforestation program. The concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn, found in the present study were within the limits set by Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy (OMEE) guidelines even in sites within the vicinity of the Falconbridge Smelters. The levels of these elements in black spruce (Picea mariana) tissues were much lower and far below the toxic levels for vegetation. This is the first documented report of metal content in black spruce populations in the Sudbury region.