TAPIR--Finnish national geochemical baseline database

Area of Science:

• Environmental Geochemistry
• Soil Science
• Geochemical Prospecting

Background:

• A Finnish Government Decree necessitates reliable geochemical baseline data for soil contamination assessments.
• Baseline concentrations include natural geological background and diffuse anthropogenic inputs.
• The national geochemical baseline database, TAPIR, provides publicly accessible soil data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish regional geochemical baseline values for Finnish soils.
• To delineate geochemical provinces based on nationwide datasets.
• To support soil contamination assessment and risk evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of nationwide geochemical datasets to delineate geochemical provinces.
• Identification of metal provinces for elements like Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, V, and Zn.
• Separate determination of arsenic provinces due to distinct distribution patterns.

Main Results:

• Seven metal provinces and four arsenic provinces were identified across Finland.
• Regional baseline values were established as upper limits of geochemical variation.
• Geochemical provinces aid in identifying potential soil contamination and informing risk assessments.

Conclusions:

• The national geochemical baseline database (TAPIR) offers scientifically sound data for environmental applications.
• Regional baseline values serve as crucial trigger values for soil contamination assessment.
• Accessible baseline data supports informed decision-making in environmental management and risk assessment.