A research group from the University of Kiel used portable X-ray fluorescence
Scientists note that both cemeteries hadthere are graves that could be accurately dated to the 16th century. Researchers suggest that the area was used for burial before, for about a thousand years. At the same time, one of the cemeteries had sandy soil, and the other had clay soil.
For example, the concentration of lead in cemeteriesexceeded the maximum permissible concentration by 6-9 times. In the graveyard with sandy soil, it averaged 188 mg/kg, and in the second, 284 mg/kg. Scientists believe that the concentration of heavy metals is associated with the decomposition of corpses, coffins, as well as the destruction of objects that were buried with the dead. In addition, the degradation of the embalming compositions affects the contamination.
The concentration of lead in the cemetery (MPC - 30 mg / kg). Source: Madden et al., Keele University, Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Researchers note that increasedconcentrations of substances such as lead that remain in the soil can cause potential problems during site refurbishment. For example, any plants, fruits, and vegetables grown in a garden on such a site are likely to contain high concentrations of lead and other heavy metals.
It is important to remember that no matter what happensWhether it's from rainwater running off a lead roof, from rusting metal coffin mounts, or even from the deterioration of our own bodies, the metals we put into the ground can accumulate in the soil and remain there for significant periods of time. , potentially long after the burial site has been repurposed and its original use forgotten.
Adam Jeffery, co-author of the study from the University of Keele
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