Organic micropollutant and trace element pollution of Irish soils

Measured concentrations of organochlorine insecticide residues, PCBs and trace elements, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn in Irish soils devoted to agriculture, in soils from an urban area, and in soils from an area with modern industrial development were generally indicative of low pollutant inputs. One instance of severe geochemical pollution from Cd was detected. DDT residues and Pb, in particular, Hg and Zn were elevated in town garden soils.