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Abstract

Sixteen plant species were sampled over a
known pedogeochemical anomaly at West Hercules, Rosebery.
This orientation survey was conducted to assess the
potential of biogeochemical surveys in the West Coast-type
rainforests. Three species were subsequently
re-sampled in order to determine the most sensitive
plant organ for biogeochemical prospecting.
Both a detailed pilot survey and an independent
trial survey proved that young Nothofagus cunninghamii
leaves accurately and precisely reflected the soil-lead
concentrations. The primary plant-ash data can
be enhanced with the use of selected elemental ratios.
A litter survey down five cut grid lines
showed that plant-litter has great potential for
reflecting elemental concentrations in the soil.
Thirty soil pits were dug and sampled every
ten centimetres, both on and off the pedogeochemical
anomaly.
The samples came from areas with potential
copper, lead and zinc mineralization and analyses have
been restricted to these elements and potential scavengers.
Chemical analyses for carbon, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Fe and
Mn revealed a distinct vertical and horizontal
distribution that could be explained by changes in Eh/pH
environment and presence of "metal scavengers".
A sequential analysis of the soils indicated
which elements were distributed over which soil phases.
Copper was sorbed in the clay while lead and zinc were
occluded in the iron and manganese oxides.

Item Type:	Thesis - Honours
Authors/Creators:	Russell, D
Additional Information:	Copyright the Author - The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s).
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