Th, U, REE BACKGROUNDS AND PHYTOAVAILABILITY IN SOILS OF THE PADANIAN PLAIN (NORTHERN ITALY)

Abstract

In this contribution we present ICP-MS analyses carried out on agricultural soils from the eastern-most part of the Padanian plain (Ferrara Province) and on the related crop products. The aim is to provide, for the first time in this area, backgrounds for some trace elements such as rare earth elements (REE), thorium (Th), uranium (U) and to understand the related phytoavailability. In particular, detailed analyses have been done on Sorghum Vulgare plants, analyzing distinct plant parts in different vegetative periods. Results indicate that a) REE concentration in plant tissues is always lower than in the related soils, precluding the occurrence of bioaccumulation and b) no preferential elemental uptake and REE fractionation. In this light, the observed soil/plant relationships could be used in the definition of markers of territoriality (provenance fingerprint) for agricultural product