The influence of the wind direction and plants on the variability of topsoil magnetic susceptibility in industrial and urban areas of southern Poland

Tadeusz Magiera,Henryk Parzentny,Adam Łukasik

doi:10.1007/s12665-015-4846-0

Tadeusz Magiera, Henryk Parzentny + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-4846-0

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Abstract

Volume magnetic susceptibility (κ) was measured on the soil surface and in the vertical topsoil profile within a 300 km2 area located in an urban-industrial conurbation. The results were compared to plant species compositions in the forest storeys, elevation above sea level, and terrain geomorphology. The content and mineral composition of the magnetic fraction were determined in the soil horizons. It was found that the extent of the area with enhanced topsoil magnetic susceptibility was similar to the dominant wind direction (south–west). Enhanced κ values were observed for the soil at the forest margin on the leeward side of the emitters as well as at sites located on exposed local elevations (≥10 m). There were no significant correlations between species composition of the forest stand and soil surface κ value (measured both with and without forest litter). Soil covered with deciduous trees—mostly ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.)—demonstrated higher κ values than soil under coniferous tree species. However, our results suggest that this parameter is not controlled by individual tree species, but rather depends on distance from emission sources, intensity of magnetic particle emission, and meteorological conditions (prevailing wind directions and dynamics).

Highlights

It was found that the extent of the area with enhanced topsoil magnetic susceptibility was similar to the dominant wind direction
Technogenic magnetic particles (TMPs) are constantly deposited on the surface of soil located in urban areas and their vicinity
The extent of the area defined by the isolines with high soil j values overlapped with the dominant wind directions (SW);

Summary

Introduction

Technogenic magnetic particles (TMPs) are constantly deposited on the surface of soil located in urban areas and their vicinity. The presence of TMPs in topsoil (mainly in the organic horizon) is considered an indicator for heavy metal soil pollution. This fact was confirmed by many authors (Veneva et al 2004; Klose and Makeschin 2005; Spiteri et al 2005; Blaha et al 2008; Jordanova et al 2008; Lu et al 2008; Magiera et al 2008; Bucko et al 2011). In situ soil magnetometry is a verified method used for identifying anthropogenic magnetic ‘‘hot spots’’ and their correlations with geochemical anomalies (e.g. Thompson and Oldfield 1986; Petrovskyand Ellwood 1999; Evans and Heller 2003; Magiera 2004; Strzyszcz et al 2006; Magiera et al 2011b)

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