engleski

Geochemical Baseline Mapping of Southeren Dalmatia: Geogene and Environmental Implications

The results of the geochemical baseline soil mapping program of Southern Dalmatia are interpreted with the aid of multivariate statistics, the R-mode factor analysis and discriminant analysis. The obtained data indicate that the analyzed elements, their contents and distribution are a reflection of the underlying bedrock. A five factor model accounting for 75 % of the data variability seemed appropriate to portray the geochemical variability within the topsoil in Southern Dalmatia. The Fe-Th-V-La-Ti-Y-Nb-La-Pb-Ba-(Ca-Mg) factor accounts for 35% of the total data variability. The factor scores distribution patterns show low values for soils developed in alluvial plains, dolomites and flysch bedrock (high concentrations of Ca and Mg), high values correspond to brown soils on limestone and terra rossa. The most interesting association in a geogene sense is the K-Na-Ba factor (factor 2) with high factor scores associated with soils on the Adriatic islands Mljet, Korčula and Hvar and slightly lower values on the island of Brač and the Pelješanc peninsula. The plot of the discriminant loadings and the position of group centroids in reduced discriminat space show that the topsoils of the islands of Mljet, Hvar and Korčula have significantly different (higher concentrations) of K, Na and Ba especially on their southern coasts. The distribution pattern of Zn, Cd, P and Pb association, with high positive scores that correlate positively with altitude are interpreted as a consequence of anthropogenic influence through atmospheric deposition.

Soils; geochemical baseline mapping; geogene associations; environmental impact; heavy metals

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