Environ Monit Assess. 2025 Dec 2;198(1):1. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14760-6.
ABSTRACT
It was presented a reliable statistical assessment of regional background element concentrations with a geochemical framework using the concentrations of Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Pb, and Hg in soils and Hg in air (atmospheric and soil) on the example of the area with ore mineralization and superimposed historical anthropogenic mining activity (Sarala gold-ore group; the Republic of Khakassia, Russia). The most reproducible results were obtained by the 2sd (mean ± 2σ) and 2MAD (median ± 2MAD) statistical methods. The TIF (Tukey inner fence) gave the widest background range. The 2sd method can be used as well as 2MAD, but with careful statistical pre-processing of data. It was found that the upper threshold values of background concentrations of Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Pb, and Hg in soils of the Sarala gold-ore area exceeded the concentrations in the upper continental crust, soils of 4 neighboring objects of the Siberian region, and maximum permissible concentrations. Hg concentrations in air (atmospheric and soil) were higher than in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration for residential areas. The patterns are typical for areas where ore mineralization zones are located. Based on the comparison of geological and geochemical data with the results of ANOVA (one-way analysis of variance) tests and correlation analysis, the sources of elements were recognized in the study area (geogenic, technogenic, and mixed). The investigation with this kind of statistical approach was realized for the first time in Russia for such a natural-technogenic object, providing research novelty. The results provide reference data for comparing background concentrations in soils in similar mining areas worldwide and can help with making decisions about environmental strategies for specialized measures to ensure public safety.
PMID:41329378 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-025-14760-6
