The study of metal contamination in urban topsoils of Mexico City using GIS

• Published in: Environmental earth sciences Vol. 62; no. 5; pp. 899 - 905
• Main Authors: Rodríguez-Salazar, María Teresa, Morton-Bermea, Ofelia, Hernández-Álvarez, Elizabeth, Lozano, Rufino, Tapia-Cruz, Victor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.03.2011; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anthropogenic factors; Areal geology; Areal geology. Maps; Biogeosciences; Cluster analysis; Copper; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Environmental Science and Engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Geochemistry; Geographic information systems; Geologic maps, cartography; Geology; Heavy metal content; Heavy metals; Hydrology/Water Resources; Lead; Metropolitan areas; Original Article; Pollution, environment geology; Soil contamination; Soils; Spatial analysis; Spatial distribution; Statistical analysis; Surficial geology; Sustainable development; Terrestrial Pollution; Topsoil; Urban areas; Urban environments; Zinc; Mexico State; Mexico; Mexico City Mexico; GIS; Cluster analysis; Urban topsoils; Pollution; Heavy metals; Mexico City; maps; urban environment; heavy metals; metals; geographic information systems; concentration; urban areas; pollution; North America; spatial distribution; contamination; management; cluster analysis; statistical analysis; soils
• ISSN: 1866-6280; 1866-6299
• DOI: 10.1007/s12665-010-0584-5

This research presents and discusses information concerning the spatial distribution of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Ba, Co, Cr, Ni and V) in the urban environments of Mexico City using geographical information system and statistical analysis. Superficial soil samples ( n  = 146) were analyzed. The highest contamination indices were found in the north and center zone of the metropolitan area. In contrast, the surrounding rural fields show a lower impact grade. The higher concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn and Ba were observed as being related to high vehicular traffic, nevertheless other elements such as Co, Cr, Ni and V do not show anthropogenic influence and their content can be attributed to the parental rock. The results are compared with previous surveys carried out in 2003 in order to evaluate temporal deposition trends. No changes were found on reported concentrations except for Cu and Zn, whose concentration has increased in later years. The results suggest that spatial distribution analysis and results in comparison with previous studies could be useful for the management and sustainable development of the metropolitan area of Mexico City.