Using Magnetic Susceptibility to Assess Soil Pollution in the Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu with Statistical Approach

Abstract

Objective: This study used magnetic susceptibility measurements and statistical methods to investigate soil pollution. Method: Using the grid approach, soil samples were collected in and around Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nādu. Standard procedures were used to determine the physicochemical parameters of soil samples such as the percentages of sand, silt and clay, EC and pH. A dual frequency susceptibility meter was used to assess the magnetic susceptibility of the soil samples collected at low-frequency (χlf) and high-frequency (χhf). Multivariate statistical analysis such as factor analysis (FA), Pearson correlation (PC), and cluster analysis (CA) were conducted to determine the influence of Physicochemical parameters on magnetic susceptibilities and to detect soil contamination from anthropogenic or natural sources. Findings: Significant magnetic enhancement values may be concentrated in the soil, indicating ferrimagnetic minerals in the study area in some locations. Novelty: Contamination sources of pollution using magnetic susceptibility with statistical approach.