Heavy metals in soil and vegetation at Shallee Mine, Silvermines, Co. Tipperary

Samples of soil, three higher plant species (Teucrium scorodonia, Primula vulgaris, and Succisa pratensis) and two moss species (Hylocomium splendens and Rhytidiadelphus loreus) were collected in 1995 from around some of the disused buildings and surrounding area of Shallee mine, Silvermines, Co. Tipperary. The samples were analysed for lead, copper and zinc, using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results indicated high lead levels in all soil and moss samples, but copper and zinc levels were similar to levels found in uncontaminated areas. Although mosses are used extensively for monitoring the aerial heavy metal contamination, correlations were found here between lead levels in mosses and their adjacent soil. This suggests possible local aerial lead deposition.