Mn and Ni contents in soils of a qualified denomination of origin region: Rioja D.O.Ca, Spain

Resumen

The distribution of Mn and Ni in soils of one of the most famous winegrowing regions of Spain, Rioja D.O.Ca (Denomination of origin, Spain's top category), was studied in detail according to its geographical location. There were background concentrations of 288.81 mg kg−1 total Mn in the surface horizon and 296.06 mg kg−1 in the subsoil; and a total Ni content of 17.89 mg kg−1 in the surface horizon and 24.76 mg kg−1 in the subsoil. The amounts of Mn bio- or phytoavailable were 5.28 mg kg−1 in the upper horizon and 4.70 mg kg−1 in the subsurface horizon; and for Ni bio- or phytoavailable, the amounts were 0.14 mg kg−1 in the upper horizon and 0.13 mg kg−1 in the deeper horizon. Spatial distribution patterns were established using GIS contour maps for the two elements, showing significant variations within and between the sites. The local contamination is generally associated with the quantities that are added to the soil or water from man-made sources such as industrial discharge and volatile emissions, sewage sludge, livestock wastes and other wastes. © 2015 Taylor & Francis.