Cited by 12Fire effects on ecosystemsEnvironmental and Analytical Chemistry StudiesHeavy metals in environment

Assessing the leaching of nutrients and trace metals from wildfire ashes and heated soils through soil column tests: Potential impacts on groundwater

Open access
Abrantes, Nelson, Campos, Isabel, Junior, Carlos, Coelho, Celeste, Keizer, Jan J.·2025·Journal of Hazardous Materials

Abstract

Wildfires are a significant diffuse source of pollution to water systems. Ash deposited after forest fires contains hazardous contaminants that can leach into groundwater, posing risks to water quality. While wildfire effects on surface water are well-documented, the processes and risks of contaminant leaching into groundwater remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the leaching behavior of nutrients (N and P) and trace metals (V, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in ash-soil systems using soil column tests with two soil types (granite [SG] vs. schist [SX]) and two heating temperatures (150 °C vs. 500 °C). Significant differences in leaching were observed based on soil type, fire severity, and ash deposition. Ash addition increased leachate concentrations of N, P, Mn, Zn, Co, and V, with Mn often exceeding drinking water standards. In general, SG soils exhibited greater contaminant mobilization, except for N, Cd, V, and Zn, which were found in higher concentrations in SX soil leachates. Higher temperatures decreased soil organic matter and altered pH and conductivity. These findings highlight the critical role of soil texture, heating, and ash deposition in post-fire contaminant mobility and underscore the urgent need for targeted management strategies to protect groundwater in wildfire-prone regions. • Wildfire ash amplifies nutrient and metal export through leaching, posing a potential risk to groundwater quality. • In general, sandy loam soils (granite) exhibit greater contaminant mobility, elevating groundwater contamination risks. • Effective post-fire soil management strategies are essential to mitigate risks to groundwater resources.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138097

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98 of 98 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Abrantes, N., Campos, I., Junior, C., Coelho, C., & Keizer, J. J.
Affiliations
University of Aveiro (PT)
Venue
Journal of Hazardous Materials
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2025-07
Volume
492
Pages
138097
ISSN
0304-3894 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4409170649
Cited by
12
References
99
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 3
FWCI
4.90
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Hazardous Materials (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • SSRN Electronic Journal (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Foundation for Science and Technology (PTDC/AAG-GLO/4176/2012)
  • Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Marinhos, Universidade de Aveiro (LA/P/0094/2020, UIDB/50017/2020, UIDP/50017/2020)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Fire effects on ecosystems
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Water Science and Technology › Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Heavy metals in environment
Keywords
wildfire ash, nutrient leaching, trace metal leaching, groundwater contamination, soil heating, fire severity, soil texture, nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese, soil organic matter, leachate chemistry, granitic soils

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