Mapping heavy metal distribution by measuring the magnetic susceptibility of soils

Magnetic properties of soils from sites with different geological and environmental settings

“…In several studies, significant correlation between magnetic susceptibility and heavy metal content in soils was found (e.g., Heller et al, 1998;Dearing et al, 2001;Lecoanet et al, 2001;Hanesch et al, 2003;Jordanova et al, 2003). Using geochemical analysis, additional data can be obtained, and in combination with magnetic data, polluted areas can be well outlined and geologic/anthropogenic anomalies identified (Hanesch and Scholger, 2002).…”

The influence of soil moisture on magnetic susceptibility measurements

“…Magnetic susceptibility mapping has been used for investigations around power plants (Heller et al, 1998;Kapička et al, 2001), iron industry and mining areas Lecoanet et al, 2001;Strzyszcz and Magiera, 2001;Hanesch et al, 2003), urban environments (Hanesch and Scholger, 2002) and roads (Hoffmann et al, 1999). It has also proved to be useful for studying the influence of atmospheric processes on distribution and deposition of air pollutants Scholger, 2003, 2004) and for discriminating different soil-contamination sources (Lecoanet et al, 2003).…”

Paleomagnetic Susceptibility Distribution and Geochemical Analysis from the Eastern Part of Kalambaina Formation Sokoto Basin North West, Nigeria

“…Magnetic methods should be considered as a first choice and an appropriate strategy when conducting surveys [8] and they can be a helpful indicator when targeting and selecting sampling sites for subsequent geochemical analyses. These methods allow us to target the area most affected by pollution near roads and highways or industrial units, such as steel smelters [14][15][16][17], power plants [18][19][20] and cement plants [21]. These are the preferred areas for sampling in order to investigate the level of contamination by toxic elements like heavy metals, with consequent benefits in saving time, manpower and materials.…”