Analysis of Heavy Metal Sources in Soil Using Kriging Interpolation on Principal Components

• Published in: Environmental science & technology 2014-05, Vol.48 (9), p.4999-5007
• Main Authors: Ha, Hoehun, Olson, James R, Bian, Ling, Rogerson, Peter A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alabama; Applied sciences; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Exact sciences and technology; Foundries; Geographic Information Systems; Heavy metals; Industry; Metals; Metals, Heavy - analysis; Normal distribution; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; Pollution, environment geology; Principal Component Analysis; Principal components analysis; Soil - chemistry; Soil and sediments pollution; Soil contamination; Soil Pollutants - analysis; Soils; Spatial Analysis
• ISSN: 0013-936X; 1520-5851
• DOI: 10.1021/es405083f

Anniston, Alabama has a long history of operation of foundries and other heavy industry. We assessed the extent of heavy metal contamination in soils by determining the concentrations of 11 heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Mn, Hg, Ni, V, and Zn) based on 2046 soil samples collected from 595 industrial and residential sites. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was adopted to characterize the distribution of heavy metals in soil in this region. In addition, a geostatistical technique (kriging) was used to create regional distribution maps for the interpolation of nonpoint sources of heavy metal contamination using geographical information system (GIS) techniques. There were significant differences found between sampling zones in the concentrations of heavy metals, with the exception of the levels of Ni. Three main components explaining the heavy metal variability in soils were identified. The results suggest that Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn were associated with anthropogenic activities, such as the operations of some foundries and major railroads, which released these heavy metals, whereas the presence of Co, Mn, and V were controlled by natural sources, such as soil texture, pedogenesis, and soil hydrology. In general terms, the soil levels of heavy metals analyzed in this study were higher than those reported in previous studies in other industrial and residential communities.