Heavy metal sorption in postglacial soils: Linking cadmium and lead retention to landscape geomorphology

). Strong positive correlations (p < 0.05) were found between metal sorption and organic matter, clay fraction, authigenic iron, and CEC. Although the proportions of these components - and thus their sorption influence - vary across the studied areas, their combined effect is consistent for respective landform types, indicating complementary interactions. Geomorphological structure therefore exerts primary control over landscape-scale heavy metal retention and should be considered in geochemical, soil, and environmental assessments. These results provide a framework for pollution risk evaluation, remediation planning, and land-use management in postglacial regions, enabling prediction of metal mobility from landform characteristics.