Investigating urban geochemistry using Geographical Information Systems.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geochemistry
• Geographic Information Science

Background:

• Geographical Information System (GIS) provides interactive digital mapping capabilities, extending traditional 2D paper maps.
• Customised maps are essential for urban geochemistry research, requiring data aggregation from various sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the utility of GIS in urban geochemistry through a case study in Wolverhampton, UK.
• To illustrate the creation of multi-layered maps integrating geographic, geological, geochemical, and land use data.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing GIS to combine and visualize disparate datasets, including soil metal concentrations, geological features, and land use patterns.
• Generating multi-layered maps to analyze spatial correlations between geochemical data and urban characteristics.
• Incorporating soil guideline values into maps for exposure assessment.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the creation of detailed maps showcasing geographic features, geological information, and land use in Wolverhampton.
• Successfully visualized the spatial relationship between elevated soil metal concentrations and industrial land use.
• Produced maps that can aid in assessing potential exposure risks to groundwater, ecosystems, and humans.

Conclusions:

• GIS is a valuable tool for urban geochemistry, enabling the integration and visualization of complex spatial data.
• Multi-layered GIS maps facilitate the investigation of environmental contamination sources and pathways.
• GIS-based assessments are crucial for understanding and mitigating potential risks associated with soil metal pollution.