The content of heavy metals in the soils of the urban ecosystem Balti (Republic of Moldova)

Along with the development of human activity, the content of heavy metals in the soil also increases. In this paper, the content of heavy metals in the soils of the Balti urban ecosystem was evaluated. Samples were taken from 30 research sites, soil type and content of total forms of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cr) were determined. The sites with exceedances of the alert and intervention thresholds on the content of these metals have been determined. Thus, for Zn, exceedances of the alert threshold were found in a single site, and for Pb in 8 sites. It was noted that in the researched sites, due to the low alkaline pH of the soil, the increased concentrations of heavy metals do not represent a threat for the biotic components.