Fractionation and mobility of cadmium and lead in soils of Amol area in Iran, using the modified BCR sequential extraction method

This study was conducted to investigate the total concentration of cadmium and lead as well as their compartmentalisation by the modified BCR sequential extraction method. Also the mobility and contamination factor potential of cadmium and lead was evaluated in soils in Amol area, Iran. Total metals concentrations in Cd and Pb were 0.096 +/- 0.036 and 24.97 +/- 0.83 (mu g g(-1)), respectively. The sum of the fractions was consistent with the total content of each metal. Cadmium was mainly associated with the reducible, exchangeable-acid soluble and oxidisable fractions. Lead was mainly associated with the residual, reducible and oxidisable fractions. Cadmium had a higher mobility potential in all soil samples than lead. Cadmium had a lower retention time than lead.