The objective of this research was to determine the heavy metal concentration in soils of a topolithosequence in western Minas Gerais State, in order to evaluate their potential availability in soils originated from distinct parent materials. Seven soil samples were collected, air dried, and sieved through a 2 mm sieve and then had their Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn contents determined. The total concentration of the chemical elements was assessed using HNO3/HClO4 extractant (4:1 by volume). The soluble forms were analyzed with the same double acid mixture in increasing H+ concentrations: 0.0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6, and 0.8 mol L-1. The metals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Regression models were fitted up to the third degree orthogonal polynomials. In the studied topolithosequence, the soils formed from basalt presented higher Cu and Zn availability, whereas those formed from gneiss presented higher Pb availability. Cadmium availability was low in the studied soils due to the low natural concentration of the element in both parent materials. Thus, an increased native Cd availability would not be expected, even if there is a decrease in soil pH.
parent rock; acid extraction; soluble heavy metals; basalt; gneiss
