Road Transport as a Source of Soil Pollution in Lublin

We are pleased to announce that four researchers from our institute have published a new article in Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, analysing the impact of road traffic and other emission sources on urban soil pollution in Lublin.

Zgłobicki W., Telecka M., Hałas P., Bis M., 2025. Impact of traffic and other sources on heavy metal pollution of urban soils (Lublin, Poland). Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management 23, 101058. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101058

The study revealed that road transport is the primary source of heavy metal pollution in Lublin’s urban soils, with the highest concentrations of copper and zinc found in roadside dust and soils. In contrast, post-industrial areas exhibited elevated cadmium levels, indicating long-term accumulation of pollutants associated with past industrial activities. The authors employed geochemical and statistical methods (PCA, CA) to identify the key mechanisms governing the transport and accumulation of these elements in the urban environment. Spatial analysis demonstrated that pollution levels decrease with distance from major roads, while soils in residential areas remain relatively uncontaminated. The findings suggest that road traffic pollution is a short-term phenomenon, whereas soils act as a long-term reservoir for heavy metals. This article not only provides valuable insights into the dynamics of pollutant movement in cities but also underscores the need for continuous monitoring of their impact on public health and the environment.

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Date of addition
24 February 2025