Sources of the Trace Metals Contaminating Soils in Recreational Forest and Glade Areas in Krakow, a Large City in Southern Poland

Soil pollution mainly results from particulate matter falling from the atmosphere; for example, PM10 and PM2.5 originate from anthropogenic sources. Krakow is both an industrial and touristic city. The aim of this research was to establish the sources and find the main drivers of trace metal (TM) soil contamination in the recreational city park in Krakow. This study was performed on forest soils and glades located near built-up areas and 100 m above built-up areas. The contents of lead, cadmium, zinc, chromium, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available nutrients, dehydrogenases, urease, and invertase activities in the soils were determined. Geo-accumulation, pollution load, Nemerov pollution indices, and potential ecological risk were calculated. Our results indicated low emissions (house heating and traffic) as the main sources of pollution. TM pollution was higher in the soils of built-up areas than in soils located 100 m above built-up areas, and forest soils were more polluted with TMs than glade soils. Activities undertaken as part of the sustainable development of the city should aim to reduce low emissions.