Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy: A preliminary study of the distribution of Cu2+ and Cu2+/Pb2+ on a Bt horizon surfaces

► TOF-SIMS and HR-TEM/EDS allow checking which soil components retain heavy metals. ► Pb2+ favorably competes for the soil sorption sites. Mainly in oxides and clay. ► Cu2+ and Pb2+ are associated with hematite, gibbsite, vermiculite and chlorite. ► This study serves as a basis for further research on soil sorption of heavy metals.