Spatial distribution of heavy metals in soils in the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

The distribution of various elements in soils in the Republic of Macedonia was analyzed in termsof air pollution with heavy metals carried out for more than 10 years within the European moss biomonitoring programmeof air pollution in Europe. In 2010 in parallel to moss sampling, on the same locations, soil samples were alsocollected using a network of 72 locations all over the country. In total of 144 samples (top and bottom soil) werecollected and 18 elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) were analyzed usinginductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Both, top and bottom soil samples wereanalyzed to identify possible anthropogenic influences and to assess whether the metal content is associated with anthropogenicsources or it is a result of lithology. The obtained data were statistically processed and distribution mapsfor all analyzed elements were prepared. The results are compared with international standards for soil and with thelocations of the industry. The analysis generally indicates a connection with the lithological appearances, but alsoshows a possible association with certain industrial activities.