Biogeochemistry of calcium and strontium in the landscapes of eastern Transbaikalia

Abstract

This paper reports data on the contents and ratios of Ca and Sr in the soils, waters, and plants of eastern Transbaikalia and the Baikal region. The contents of Ca in the soils, waters, and plants of endemic areas affected by Urov disease approach those in objects from control areas. The contents of Sr in the soil–plant complex of the Urov biogeochemical province are relatively high and show spotted distribution, which is related to the landscape-geochemical characteristics of the region. It was found that the Ca/Sr values in the soils of a number of areas unaffected by Urov disease of animals and humans fall mainly within 11–236 (53 ± 24 on average). In the soils of endemic regions in eastern Transbaikalia, Ca/Sr ranges from 2 to 98 (36 ± 11 on average). The hay crop of meadow plants show Sr contents of 72.8 ± 31.6 mg/kg (endemic region) and 36.6 ± 15.7 mg/kg (control areas) and Ca/Sr values of 250 ± 115 and 525 ± 382, respectively. The elevated Sr content in the soils and plants of the endemic region is considered as a factor of ecological risk.