Abstract
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.
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Acknowledgments
This study was performed with financial support from DGAPA (Dirección General de Personal académico, UNAM) project IN117405. Authors thank J. Guzmán, G. Morales, A. Martínez, R. del Castillo, M. Santiago, N. Ramírez, O. Venegas, P. Sarmiento and F. Navarrete for the field and analytical assistance. We would like to thank F.J. Castillo for preparing the maps in geographic information systems. Rodríguez-Salazar gratefully acknowledges a grant from PASPA (Programa de Apoyo a la Superación del personal académico, DGAPA, UNAM).
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Rodríguez-Salazar, M.T., Morton-Bermea, O., Hernández-Álvarez, E. et al. The study of metal contamination in urban topsoils of Mexico City using GIS. Environ Earth Sci 62, 899–905 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-010-0584-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-010-0584-5