Spatial distribution of chemical elements in soil from the Veles region, Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

The contents and spatial distributions of various chemical elements in soil in the Veles region, Republic of Macedonia, are presented. For this purpose, soil samples from two layers (0–5 cm and 20–30 cm) from 53 locations with a network of 5 × 5 km were collected. The samples were analyzed by the application of atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (AES-ICP) and the content of 19 elements (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) in all soil samples was determined. From the analyzed soil samples, 3 chemical associations were determined, from which two factors are characterized as lithogenic associations: F1 (Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni and V) and F3 (Al and Ca), and one as anthropogenic association (F2 including Pb and Zn). From the obtained results and from the maps of spatial distribution of all analyzed elements it can be concluded that the major source of pollution of soil with Pb and Zn in the Veles region is the former lead and zinc smelter plant located in the near vicinity of the city of Veles.