Previous studies on the mineralogical differentiation of Pleistocene loess/palaeosol sections focused on the description and source material of four loess/palaeosol sections located on the eastern ...border of Croatia along the Danube: Zmajevac, Zmajevac I, Erdut and Šarengrad. The authors demonstrated the decreasing influence of the Danube and the increasing influence of the rivers draining the Central Bosnian Mountains of the Dinaric Ophiolite Zone both important source areas for aeolian sediments at the southern edge of the Carpathian Basin that transport material from the Central Bosnian Mountains. The aim of this research is to identify the palaeoclimatic factors that influenced the pedogenetic development of the studied palaeosols. The model was created based on the research results of the same four loess/palaeosol sequences in Eastern Croatia. This model can also be applied in other locations to determine the influence of certain climatic factors on the degree of pedogenetic development of individual palaeosols. The loess/palaeosol sequences were divided into eight comprehensive groups (horizons) based on their genesis, degree of pedological development and/or position in the soil profiles. The explanation of the typical patterns occurring between the studied horizons is based on the construction of a Discriminant Function Model (DFM) resulting from the analysis of the compositional data (CoDa) of the geochemical (major and trace elements) and granulometric (grain size) data of the loess/palaeosols in combination with external variables such as weathering coefficients and chemical soil properties. In the final phase, the DFM was transformed from structural (mathematical) to functional (process) terms. This revealed that three main themes dominate the formation of Pleistocene loess/palaeosol sequences: 1) the separation of well-developed palaeosols from parent material; 2) the separation of automorphic palaeosols from hydromorphic soils exposed to post-pedogenic waterlogging conditions; and 3) the differentiation of horizons (soils and alluvium) formed by the redeposition (by water or mudflows) of previously deposited aeolian material, regardless of whether and to what extent it was exposed to post-sedimentary pedogenesis.
•Pedogenesis of loess/palaeosol sections explained by discriminant function model.•Soil formation defined by combination of compositional and external variables.•First discriminant function separates developed soils from parent material.•The 2nd discriminant function distinguishes between different types of pedogenesis.•High classification rate shows integrity of originally defined groups (horizons).
Determination of the groundwater chemistry in Strumica valley was essential since the widespread use of it in the irrigation of agricultural production. For this purpose were collected 224 water ...samples from boreholes. The groundwater chemical composition was determinated on the selected analytes: As, Sr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ba, Pb, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, Li, Cr, Fe, U, CaCO3, Cl-, NO3-, NH4+, SO42- and PO43-. The source and internal correlations of the analytes were set out by performing multivariate statistical analyses (factor analyses). Factor analyses yielded 7 factors and the geochemical maps of the obtained factors were generated using kriging method. The groundwater chemistry was predominantly controlled by geologic background and some anthropogenic influence due to agriculture and mining to the concentrations and spatial distribution of arsenic, phosphates, sulphates, nitrates and some metals (copper, iron, chromium, lead, nickel, zinc). Mining of copper/gold (molybdenum) in area of Ilovica increased concentration of analytes Al, Cu, Pb, Cr, NO3-, Ni, Zn, Na, K, Li and PO43- in groundwater but only at a local level.
Modelling of topsoil geochemical data using discriminant function analysis, along with a set of corresponding geochemical maps, portray a legacy of environmental contamination in the city of Sisak. ...Based on centred log-ratio (clr) transformed compositional data from topsoil samples collected on Kupa-Odra and Sava River floodplain sediments and loess, underlying the Sisak urban area, and regrouped according to their land use characteristics (urban, industrial and agricultural areas), a few element clusters emerged accounting for discrimination between the defined groups. The most prominent feature of the lithological model, as suggested by the first discriminant function, is the carbonate group (Mg, Ca, Sr) versus anthropogenic sourced elements/transition metals (e.g., Sn, Zn, Ba, Mn, Pb, U, Ag, Cr, V) dichotomy separating soil developed on floodplain sediments of Sava and Kupa-Odra Rivers from those evolved on loess. The major attribute of the land use model, according to the main discriminant function, is differentiation between urban/industrial and rural (agricultural) samples based on contrast provided by the carbonate component and other anthropogenic sourced element clusters (predominantly alkaline and concentrated over the loess substrate), in contrast to fertiliser trace and transition element clusters (predominantly acid and disseminated over Kupa-Odra and Sava River floodplain sediments). In both cases, the second discriminant function provides additional information on the secondary level, i.e., in the lithology model the Kupa-Odra sediment group is distinguished from other lithological groupings owing to its predominantly transition element signature. In the land use model, urban soil samples are separated from industrial ones based on the characteristic Na-Sr-Ca-pH(KCl) element association (urban waste) against a typical ‘industrial’ element signature (Zn-Cd-Mn-Pb-Mo).
•Geochemical signature of topsoil from the Sisak area reveals effects of the industrial growth.•Discriminant function analysis separates groups into two models according to geochemistry.•Discriminant scores and posterior probabilities are useful in 2D models of geo-spatial data.•Geochemical maps disclose areas of concern with respect to urban and industrial contamination.
The aim was to determine possible local differences between the parent materials of recent leoss-derived soils in eastern Croatia (Dalj, Zmajevac). Furthermore, it highlights the existence of ...chernozem and chernozem-like soils in Croatia and describes their basic physical, chemical and mineral properties. For this purpose, two soil profiles (P-3 and P-6) south of the Dalj settlement and one soil profile (P-10) near the Zmajevac settlement were excavated. The investigation included a detailed pedological analysis, a modal analysis of the heavy and light mineral fraction and a mineralogical analysis of bulk samples (the < 2 mm fraction) and the fraction < 2 μm. By comparing the obtained results with the criteria of the Croatian Soil Classification and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources, the soil profiles P-3 and P-6 can be defined as Chernozem on Loess or Hortic Calcic chernozem (Epiloamic, Endosiltic, Aric, Humic). The systematic unit for profile P-10 was defined as Rendzina according to the Croatian Soil Classification or Calcic Chernozem (Siltic) according to the WRB. Based on the results of the pedological analysis of the soil profile horizons, a gradual degradation of the chernozem was observed as a result of anthropogenic influence, but also due to recent climate change. The degradation is particularly evident in the form of a reduction in organic matter and the relocation of carbonates from the surface to deeper zones. Due to the increasing degree of weathering caused by recent climate changes, some differences in the mineralogical composition of the studied soils were also observed. The progressive degradation of the chernozem due to the effects of recent weathering processes is indicated mainly by the presence of goethite in the fraction < 2 μm as a weathering product of iron minerals (magnetite, pyroxenes…). Although the parent material of all three profiles is loess sediments, the reason why the soil material of profile P-10 has not developed a chernic horizon is the constant contribution of aeolian material and a short period of exposure to pedogenetic processes.
Within the framework of the Pan-European project about the geochemistry of bottled mineral waters in Europe launched in 2007 by the European Geological Surveys (EGS) Geochemistry Expert Group ...fourteen brands of bottled natural waters from Croatia of both mineral and spring types were evaluated for getting more coherent spatial information about the natural variation of element concentration in bottled waters found at the European market. Results of chemical analysis show that not a single one out of fourteen analyzed bottled waters from Croatia exceeds the Croatian water standards sanctioning thereby their suitability for human consumption. Also, statistical tests performed for 41 analytes (including pH and EC) clearly show that the water chemistry is in a high degree of conformity with regional geology, depending on structural, stratigraphic and, above all, lithological diversity of aquifers. Thus Dinaric and Pannonian parts of Croatia differ largely with regard to their water types: Dinaric region is completely lacking mineral water types while, on the other side, in the Pannonian region even the spring waters show stronger mineralization in comparison with their Dinaric counterparts. Typically, all natural waters from Croatia bear the bicarbonate (HCO
3) signature. However, Ca–Mg cation pair combination is characteristic of spring waters while Na–K dominates in the mineral waters.
Geochemical investigation of topsoil from a mixed industrial and residential area in the southern part of the city of Sisak was carried out in order to determine the concentration, spatial ...distribution, metal-bearing phases and sources of Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, W and Zn by applying inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The uncontrolled industrial development in a very short period of only 50years, beginning in the 1930s and ending in the 1980s, has left a legacy of serious contamination of topsoil. The concentrations of studied elements in topsoil in the industrial zone were generally elevated and at some locations much higher compared to the rest of the Sisak area.
Morphologies and chemical composition of metal-bearing particles in the heavy mineral fraction of three selected soil samples were studied using SEM/EDS. According to the results of the SEM/EDS analysis, the sources of studied elements could be ascribed predominantly to anthropogenic input from steelworks, recycling of steel scrap, ferroalloys production and to a lesser extent to the pedological processes in the soil and parent material. It is concluded that the SEM/EDS results provide significant information about the sources and apportionment of anthropogenic induced contamination in soil, and assist in the interpretation of conventional analytical results.
•Distribution and sources of PHEs in topsoil from Sisak industrial area are studied.•Geochemical maps of PHE spatial distribution imply anthropogenic emission sources.•PHE-bearing phases predominantly originate from steel production and recycling.•Industrial activities during a 50years period left a legacy of serious contamination of topsoil.
Within the framework of the pan-European project “URban GEochemistry (URGE) in Europe – Soil, children, health”, pedological and geochemical investigations of the soils of the city of Sisak and its ...adjacent surroundings were carried out, and three urban and two rural soil profiles were examined. The mineralogical composition and concentration of selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs) Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the soil were determined. The Community Reference Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure (SEP) of these PTEs was undertaken and the potential risk to human health and the environment was assessed. The concentrations of Cr and Ni are generally similar in urban and rural soil profiles, while the concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in soil horizons/layers are higher in urban profiles. The extracted fractions of PTEs gave the following general distribution: in urban soil profiles residual (RES) > reducible (ORG) or oxidisable (FEMN) > exchangeable (CARB), except for Cu where ORG > RES > FEMN > CARB, while in rural soil profiles RES > FEMN or ORG > CARB, except for Pb where FEMN > RES or ORG > CARB. The differences between soils in urban and rural profiles depend mainly on the historical land use, i.e. on the duration and intensity of anthropogenic influences on the soil and, to a lesser extent, on the geogenic origin of the parent material and the pedogenic processes. The studied elements in the urban soil profiles are predominantly of anthropogenic origin, indicating a possible influence of the ancient settlements of Segestica and Siscia and of heavy industry in the 20th century. The anthropogenic influences on the rural profiles are low and geogenic influences dominate. Risks to the environment were assessed in the soil profiles based on PTE concentrations in the CARB fraction and the sum of the CARB, ORG and FEMN fractions from BCR SEP. All calculated risks to human health and the environment were rated as no-risk, very low risk and low risk.
Geochemical atlas of Croatia resulted from the regional geochemical survey based on the low-density (1 sample per 25km2) soil sampling having covered the entire territory of the state. Basically, the ...collection of maps showing distribution of a set of elements with particular emphasis of possibly harmful elements (PHE) was focused on elucidation of environmental implications brought about by human impact (ingress of Pb, Zn, Cd and other elements derived from anthropogenic sources) against some zero-level represented by geochemical background. However, the effect of blending of anthropogenic and natural (geogene) signal in the upper soil was already recognized during the mapping campaign having steered further research to assessment of geological imprint in the soil geochemical signature. Therefore this work was also aimed at finding appropriate avenues to understanding how both signals behave at various scales (regional or local). Using suitable statistical techniques (posterior probabilities from discriminant function analysis (DFA)) it was found that anthropogenic signal may be completely obliterated by the geogenic geochemical signature at a larger, regional, scale, which is otherwise locally strong and adversely affects the environment (e.g. PHE with regard to the Drava River).
► Manuscript summarizes the results of multiannual geochemical soil mapping of Croatia. ► Conflicting types of bedrock geology reflect in the soil geochemical signature. ► Single-element maps combine geogene and anthropogenic signals across the scales. ► Posterior probability map entirely obliterating anthropogenic signal at regional scale.
Mineral phases and their content were determined in attic dust samples collected from 27 houses in the Tikveš Valley, Republic of Macedonia. By using quantitative X-ray diffraction, the principal ...mineral phases were determined to be the serpentinite group (chrysotile, lizardite) and amphibole group of minerals (ribecite, tremolite, actinolite) present in the attic dust samples from this region which are not common constituents of urban dust. Strong correlations existed between these mineral phases in the dust and those in ores processed at a ferronickel smelter plant situated in this region. Spatial distributions of specific mineral phases were made and were consistent with wind directions and predicted deposition (60–70 %) of dust emitted from the metallurgical plant.
Determination of groundwater chemistry in the Strumica valley was essential given its widespread use for irrigation in the agricultural industry. 224 samples were collected form boreholes forming the ...dataset for the study. The groundwater chemical composition was examined for selected analytes: As, Sr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ba, Pb, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, Li, Cr, Fe, U, CaCO^sub 3^, Cl^sup -^, NO^sub 3^^sup -^, NH^sub 4^^sup +^, SO^sub 4^^sup 2-^ and PO^sub 4^^sup 3-^. The source and internal correlations of the analytes were subjected to multivariate statistical analyses (factor analyses), which yielded 7 factors. Geochemical maps of these factors were generated using the kriging method. The groundwater chemistry was predominantly controlled by the geology with some anthropogenic influence due to agriculture and mining, affecting the concentrations and spatial distribution of arsenic, phosphates, sulphates, nitrates and some metals (copper, iron, chromium, lead, nickel, zinc). Mining of copper/gold (molybdenum) in the region of Ilovica increased the concentration of Al, Cu, Pb, Cr, NO^sub 3^^sup -^, Ni, Zn, Na, K, Li and PO^sub 4^^sup 3-^ in groundwater, but only at a local level.
PDF
