GEOCHEMICAL SURVEY OF WISCONSIN SOILS

• Sponsoring Institution: State Agricultural Experiment Station
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: STATE
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0206187
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2004
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2011
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIV OF WISCONSIN
21 N PARK ST STE 6401
MADISON,WI 53715-1218

Performing Department
SOIL SCIENCE

Non Technical Summary
People modify the natural distribution of elements in soils through agricultural and other management practices and by the recycling and disposal of by-products and wastes onto soils. These modifications can be beneficial or detrimental to the biota, including people. This project will for the first time assess the elemental conditions of Wisconsin soils.

Animal Health Component

50%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

50%

Applied

50%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
101	0110	2000	40%
101	0110	2030	30%
101	0110	2061	30%

Knowledge Area
101 - Appraisal of Soil Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
0110 - Soil;

Field Of Science
2030 - Geology; 2061 - Pedology; 2000 - Chemistry;

Keywords

soil element concentrations

soil composition

heavy metals

toxic elements

wisconsin soils

soil analysis

geochemistry of soils

soil quality

soil sampling

geochemical survey of soils

clay-size fraction

Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of the proposed research is to assemble the first geochemical database of Wisconsin soils. Specific objectives include determining the concentrations of elements in Wisconsin soils and developing a web assessable database of the results. This project will also determine the effectiveness of analyzing the less than 2 micrometer size fraction of soils to evaluate element concentrations on a statewide landscape scale without the confounding affects of dilution by quartz. The results will be used to identify relationships between element concentrations in soils to mapping units created by traditional soil taxonomic classes.

Project Methods
Samples from the NRCS collection will be analyzed. Our goal is to analyze the surface and the uppermost subsurface soil of most of the 974 samples in the database. About 20 gram aliquots of the whole soils will be ground in an automatic mortar and pestle to pass a 100 mesh nylon screen to prepare samples for whole soil analysis. The clay-size fraction will be separated and collected by dispersing crushed (not ground) whole soil in deionized water according to Stokes law. Drying the filtered (Millipore) clay-size fraction at 105C results in the material curling away from the filter, avoiding the need to determine blank element concentrations in the filter. The samples will be analyzed by neutron activation, X-ray fluorescence, and inductively coupled-plasma emission analysis for about 50 elements. The elements to be determined have been studied extensively in geological research and the resulting knowledge has provided powerful insights into geochemical processes. For neutron activation analysis (NAA), samples and standards dried at 105C will be packaged in watertight polyethylene tubes and irradiated in the University of Wisconsin nuclear reactor. After irradiation, the samples will be transferred to new vials and radioassayed at the Department of Soil Science using our procedures of gamma-ray spectroscopy. For X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), the samples will be ignited at 1200C and loss on ignition determined. The samples and standards will be fused with a lithium tetraborate/metaborate mixture at 1200C to form a glass bead. The samples will be analyzed and matrix corrections applied using the recommended procedures on our XRF instrument. For inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), aliquots of the samples and standards ignited at 1200C will be dissolved in Teflon beakers with hydrofluoric acid and evaporated to dryness to expel most of the fluoride. Removal of the fluoride is required because it attacks the glass nebulizer in the ICP-OES instrument. The dried residue is brought into solution with hydrochloric acid and diluted to volume. The content of C, N, and S will be determined on samples dried at 105C by a LECO CNS 2000 analyzer. All of the analytical results will be reported on a 105C weight basis. The loss on 105C drying and on ignition will also be reported. Standard soils from the Canadian Certified Reference Material Project and from the USGS will be used for instrument calibration. The approximate one standard deviation analytical uncertainty will also be reported for each determination. Elements volatilized on ignition (As, Se, Sb, C, S, and N) will be determined on samples dried at 105 C or on the original air-dried sample. Trends and relationships in the data will be studied with the assistance of the CALS statisticians. Obvious potential associations that need to be explored are the relationships between the data generated by this project and the NCRS soil characterization data (grain-size distribution, landscape position, water relations, organic matter content, etc.).

Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall goal of the proposed research is to assemble the first geochemical database of Wisconsin soils. Samples from about 400 sites for over 50 elements have been analyzed by 3 multi-element analytical techniques; neutron activation analysis, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Two manuscripts from this research are being revised for publication. The database has been assembled into a web assessable format. The database is currently assessable by request only. The website will be available to the public through the University of Wisconsin Department of Soil Science website pending the publication of these papers and resolution of copyright issues. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The soils are relatively uniform in composition with no obvious exceptions. This main conclusion is not surprising for the samples from the state as a whole. Close inspection does reveal trends, such as lower concentrations of sodium and potassium in the soils from the driftless area, most likely due to greater loss of sodium and potassium plagioclases from weathering and the greater age of these soils. No comprehensive baseline database on the elemental composition of Wisconsin soils, or any state in the United States, exist. The data generated by this project is already being used by regulatory agencies, university researchers, environmental consulting firms and other businesses, as well as landowners. It provides the first comprehensive database with scientifically defensible values for background (indigenous) concentrations of elements in Wisconsin soils. Regulatory agencies will be able to set realistic values of element concentrations for clean up goals for soils at contaminated sites. For example, the data have recently been used to help establish guidelines for element concentrations in commercial composted materials. The data will also be useful to study potential relationships between traditional soil mapping units and the chemical composition of soils.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall goal of the proposed research is to assemble the first geochemical database of Wisconsin soils. Samples from about 400 sites for over 50 elements have been analyzed by 3 multi-element analytical techniques; neutron activation analysis, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. During the past year the results from the three analytical techniques which determined elements in common were compared. Disagreements for element concentrations that were determined by multiple techniques which were beyond expected analytical uncertainties were resolved in most cases by careful examination of the raw data, including spectral interferences. This is a time consuming process but it leads to a much more robust data base. Two manuscripts from this research have been submitted for publication. The database has been assembled into a web assessable format. The database is currently assessable by request only. The website will be available to the public through the University of Wisconsin Department of Soil Science website pending the publication of these papers and resolution of copyright issues. PARTICIPANTS: Philip A. Helmke, Professor Emeritus TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The whole soil and the less than 2-micrometer size fraction were analyzed for the soils from most sites. We found that dispersion of soils in de-ionized water with an ultrasonic treatment produces samples of the less than 2-micrometer size fraction similar to those produced by traditional soil dispersion agents without the contaminating effects of the dispersion agents. Knowledge of the element concentrations in the less than 2-micrometer size fraction of soils to evaluate element behavior in soils on a statewide landscape scale has the advantage of reducing the confounding affects of dilution by quartz in samples of the whole soils. We have already identified relationships between element concentrations in soils and mapping units created by traditional soil taxonomic classes, an area of research long neglected by pedologists. We have completed our initial efforts on a small watershed in the driftless area of Wisconsin, where we find the greatest variability in soil composition. A total of 72 samples were analyzed from this site. The composition of the soils are strongly correlated to elevation on this site. The main conclusion is not surprising for the samples from the state as a whole. The soils are relatively uniform in composition with no obvious exceptions. Close inspection does reveal trends, such as lower concentrations of sodium and potassium in the soils from the driftless area, most likely due to greater loss of sodium and potassium plagioclases from weathering and the greater age of these soils. No comprehensive baseline database on the elemental composition of Wisconsin's, or any state in the United States, exist. The data generated by this project is already being used by regulatory agencies, university researchers, environmental consulting firms and other businesses, as well as landowners. It provides the first comprehensive database with scientifically defensible values for background (indigenous) concentrations of elements in Wisconsin soils. Regulatory agencies will be able to set realistic values of element concentrations for clean up goals for soils at contaminated sites. For example, the data have recently been used to help establish guidelines for element concentrations in commercial composted materials. The data will also be useful to study potential relationships between traditional soil mapping units and the chemical composition of soils.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall goal of the proposed research is to assemble the first geochemical database of Wisconsin soils. We have analyzed samples from about 400 sites throughout Wisconsin, completing over 1000 discrete analyses for over 50 elements by 3 multielement analytical techniques. We have developed a web assessable database of the results. The website is currently available by request only. The website will be available to the general public pending the publication of several papers from this study and the resolution of copyright issues. In a sub-study, we determined the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to separating the less than 2-micrometer size fraction of soils for element analysis. Knowledge of the element concentrations in the less than 2-micrometer size fraction of soils to evaluate element behavior in soils on a statewide landscape scale has the advantage of reducing the confounding affects of dilution by quartz. The student assigned to this project completed her PhD thesis and degree requirements. PARTICIPANTS: Philip A. Helmke, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Zhuo Zhang, PhD. Amazon.com. Seattle, WA. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
No comprehensive baseline database on the elemental composition of Wisconsin's, or any state in the United States, exist. The data generated by this project is needed now by regulatory agencies, university researchers, environmental consulting firms and other businesses, as well as landowners. It will provide the first comprehensive database with scientifically defensible values for background (indigenous) concentrations of elements in Wisconsin soils. Regulatory agencies will be able to set realistic values of element concentrations for clean up goals for soils at contaminated sites. The data will also be useful to study potential relationships between traditional soil mapping units and the chemical composition of soils. Dispersion of soils in de-ionized water with an ultrasonic treatment produces samples of the less than 2-micrometer size fraction nearly equal in composition to those produced by traditional soil dispersion agents without the contaminating effects of the dispersion agents. We have identified relationships between element concentrations in soils and mapping units created by traditional soil taxonomic classes, an area of research long neglected by pedologists. We also completed our studies on a small watershed in the driftless area of Wisconsin, where we find the greatest variability in soil composition. A total of 72 samples were analyzed from this site. The composition of the soils are strongly correlated to elevation on this site.

Publications

• Zhang, Zhuo. 2008. Geochemical survey of Wisconsin soils. PhD Thesis. University of Wisconsin-Madison. 232 pp.

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall goal of the proposed research is to assemble the first geochemical database of Wisconsin soils. The results to date were presented at scientific conferences and shared with scientists and regulatory agencies through direct contacts. We have analyzed samples from about 400 sites throughout Wisconsin, completing over 1000 discrete analyses for over 50 elements. We are now developing a web assessable database of the results. PARTICIPANTS: Cynthia Stiles, Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science, UW-Madison. Zhuo Zhang, PhD Student,Department of Soil Science, UW-Madison. Contacts: USDA-NRS Laboratory in Lincoln, NB. They provided some of the samples we analyzed. TARGET AUDIENCES: Other scientists and regulatory agencies.

Impacts
In a sub-study, we determined the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to separating the less than 2-micrometer size fraction of soils for element analysis. Knowledge of the element concentrations in the less than 2-micrometer size fraction of soils to evaluate element behavior in soils on a statewide landscape scale has the advantage of reducing the confounding affects of dilution by quartz. Dispersion of soils in de-ionized water with an ultrasonic treatment produces samples of the less than 2-micrometer size fraction nearly equal to those produced by traditional soil dispersion agents without the contaminating effects of the dispersion agents. We have identified relationships between element concentrations in soils and mapping units created by traditional soil taxonomic classes, an area of research long neglected by pedologists. We also completed our studies on a small watershed in the driftless area of Wisconsin, where we find the greatest variability in soil composition. A total of 72 samples were analyzed from this site. The composition of the soils are strongly correlated to elevation on this site. We have completed our neutron activation analysis and X-ray fluorescence analysis of all of the samples. We plan to finish inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy analysis of the samples within a few months. No comprehensive baseline database on the elemental composition of Wisconsin's, or any state in the United States, exist. The data generated by this project is needed now by regulatory agencies, university researchers, environmental consulting firms and other businesses, as well as landowners. It will provide the first comprehensive database with scientifically defensible values for background (indigenous) concentrations of elements in Wisconsin soils. Regulatory agencies will be able to set realistic values of element concentrations for clean up goals for soils at contaminated sites. The data will also be useful to study potential relationships between traditional soil mapping units and the chemical composition of soils.

Publications

• Zhang, Z., P.A. Helmke, and C. A. Stiles. Exploring Cost Effective Geochemical Soil Survey Methods. Annual Meeting Abstracts, Soil Science Society of America. CD- ROM. November, 2007.
• Zhang, Z., P.A. Helmke, and C. A. Stiles. Geochemical Survey of Wisconsin Soils. Annual Meeting Abstracts, Soil Science Society of America. CD- ROM. November, 2007.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
The overall goal of the proposed research is to assemble the first geochemical database of Wisconsin soils. We are making excellent progress in determining the concentrations of elements in Wisconsin soils and developing a web assessable database of the results. We are also evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to separating the less than 2-micrometer size fraction of soils for element analysis. Knowledge of the element concentrations in the less than 2-micrometer size fraction of soils to evaluate element behavior in soils on a statewide landscape scale has the advantage of reducing the confounding affects of dilution by quartz. Dispersion of soils in de-ionized water with an ultrasonic treatment produces samples of the less than 2-micrometer size fraction nearly equal to those produced by traditional soil dispersion agents without the contaminating effects of the dispersion agents. We have already identified relationships between element concentrations in soils and mapping units created by traditional soil taxonomic classes, an area of research long neglected by pedologists. We have completed our initial efforts on a small watershed in the driftless area of Wisconsin, where we find the greatest variability in soil composition. A total of 72 samples were analyzed from this site. The composition of the soils are strongly correlated to elevation on this site. We possess over 400 subsamples from the statewide collection archived at the USDA lab in Lincoln, NB. About 100 of these samples have been analyzed by our procedures of neutron activation analysis and X-ray fluorescence, both the total soils and the less than 2-micrometer size fraction. We are in the process of preparing a web site to post these results .

Impacts
No comprehensive baseline database on the elemental composition of Wisconsin's, or any state in the United States, exist. The data generated by this project is needed now by regulatory agencies, university researchers, environmental consulting firms and other businesses, as well as landowners. It will provide the first comprehensive database with scientifically defensible values for background (indigenous) concentrations of elements in Wisconsin soils. Regulatory agencies will be able to set realistic values of element concentrations for clean up goals for soils at contaminated sites. The data will also be useful to study potential relationships between traditional soil mapping units and the chemical composition of soils.

Publications

• Zhang, Z., P.A. Helmke, and C. A. Stiles. Element Survey of Wisconsin, USA, Soils. World Congress of Soil Science. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. CD-ROM. July, 2006
• Zhang, Z, and P.A. Helmke. Elemental Analysis of Soils by X-ray Fluorescence Using Glass Discs. 55th Annual Conference on Applications of X-ray Analysis - Denver X-ray Conference, August, 2006. p. 208.
• Zhang, Z., P.A. Helmke, and C. A. Stiles. Element Survey of Wisconsin, USA, Soils. Annual Meeting Abstracts, Soil Science Society of America. CD- ROM. November, 2006.