Geochemical properties of soil, overbank sediment, household and attic dust in Mežica area (Slovenia)

Abstract

Spatial distributions of geochemical associations were distinguished based on the Chemical analyses of samples. Natural geochemical distributions of elements were distinguished from anthropogenic ones. Twenty chemical elements were considered (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Si, Ti, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Zn in Zr). Three natural geochemical associations (Si-Al-K-Rb-Ni-Cr-Co-Ba-Sr, Ti-V-Fe-Zr-Mn-Co, Ca-Mg-Mo-Cu-Ba) and an anthropogenic association Pb-Zn were determined. The anthropogenic association is a result of mining and smelting activity in this area.