Screening Urban Soil Contamination in Rome: Insights from XRF and Multivariate Analysis

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Chandramohan, MS (Author) Other; da Silva, IM (Author) Other; Rita Ribeiro (Author) FCUP; Jorge, A (Author) Other; da Silva, JE (Author) Other

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: ENVIRONMENTS

Vol. 12

Final page: 126

ISSN: 2076-3298

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-018-MEZ

DOI: 10.3390/environments12040126

Abstract (EN): This study investigates spatial distribution and chemical elemental composition screening in soils in Rome (Italy) using X-ray fluorescence analysis. Fifty-nine soil samples were collected from various locations within the urban areas of the Rome municipality and were analyzed for 19 elements. Multivariate statistical techniques, including nonlinear mapping, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis, were employed to identify clusters of similar soil samples and their spatial distribution and to try to obtain environmental quality information. The soil sample clusters result from natural geological processes and anthropogenic activities on soil contamination patterns. Spatial clustering using the k-means algorithm further identified six distinct clusters, each with specific geographical distributions and elemental characteristics. Hence, the findings underscore the importance of targeted soil assessments to ensure the sustainable use of land resources in urban areas.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 22