Accumulation of Lead in Decomposing Litter

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Abstract
The accumulation of Pb in 2 monophytic decomposing litters: oak Quercus robur L. and hazel Corylus avellana L. was studied in a forest site situated near a heavy traffic road; the leaves were enclosed in nylon bags. The Pb contents increased progressively, quicker in hazel leaves than in oak ones. Their variations were compared with the variations in natural litter (L) and in the humus layer (F2). No significant increase occurred in the F2 layer; in the L layer, however, the increase was significant and reached a maximum level equal to the mean content of the H layer. The rate of Pb-fixation should be used as an index of humification. Comparison between speeds of Pb content variations in bags and in natural litter induces criticism of the bag technique as a method to measure the real decomposition of organic matter.

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