Development of a chemical test for bioavailability of trace elements in soils

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Development of a chemical test for bioavailability of trace elements in soils The proposed research would involve cooperation among McGill University, Noranda-Falconbridge, their environmental consultants involved in evaluating the toxicity of soils near mining, smelting or refining centers and the Quebec Ministry of Environment.  Noranda is currently undertaking risk assessments near some of their industrial sites in Sudbury (Ontario), Valleyfield and Murdochville (Quebec) and, as part of that study, will be doing toxicity tests with soil living animals and plants.  We propose to carry out development and testing of techniques to estimate trace element (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) using chemical extraction techniques and comparing the values obtained to the results of toxicity tests carried out for Noranda.  By examining the relationships between different extractants and measures of toxicity over a wide range of soil properties, we expect to be able to identify the most suitable method to use in estimating bioavailability.