Comparative analysis of soil magnetic susceptibility and concentration of rare earth elements in soil of problematic areas

Abstract

Abstract Soil contamination with rare earth metals (REE) can have both direct and indirect connection with industrial activity and ore-exploration. In the studies conducted so far, the presence of rare earth elements in coal seams, coal combustion waste as well as fly ash was found. It is important that detailed studies of the REE content in soil were not carried out in Poland. Until now, in a few studies, a high content of cerium and lanthanum was found in relation to the average content of the torn ones in the world. This work focuses on the areas under the influence of the industry associated with the extraction and combustion of hard coal, but also with other types of industry. Analyzes of REE content in soil were conducted in selected areas of the Upper Silesian Industrial Region and Norway, located near the Bjornevatn mine. In study areas, soil samples were collected and used for chemical and magnetometric measurements. Firstly, concentrations of REE were determined, and after that soil samples were used to measure soil magnetic susceptibility. Finally, statistical analyses were performed in order to check the correlation between REE concentrations in soil and soil magnetic susceptibility.