Trace Metals in Soil, Vegetation, and Voles from Mine Land Treated with Sewage Sludge

Abstract

Abstract Trace‐metal concentrations in soil, vegetation, and tissues of meadow voles ( Microtus pennsylvanicus ) were compared on a strip‐mined site reclaimed conventionally (control site) and with municipal sludge (treated site) in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in March and April 1983. With the exception of Zn concentrations in birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus L.), reclamation with municipal sludge did not increase trace metal concentrations in soil, vegetation, or meadow voles in comparison to the site reclaimed conventionally. Zinc concentration in birdsfoot trefoil from the site reclaimed with sludge was higher than that from the site reclaimed conventionally but was below phytotoxic levels. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Co, Cd, and Ni in vole tissues were not significantly different between control and treated sites. However, Cr concentrations in kidney and bone and Pb concentrations in liver and bone were higher on the control site than on the treated site. Stomach analyses indicated that meadow voles preferred tall fescue ( Festuca arundinaceae L.) and quackgrass ( Agropyron repens L.) to birdsfoot trefoil and orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata L.).