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Application of multivariate spatial analysis in scale-based distribution and source study of PAHs in the topsoil: an example from Tianjin, China

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil originate from various sources under different spatial scales. Coregionalization analysis is more revealing than univariate geostatistical analysis. Scale-dependent spatial features of variables reflect different sources of spatial variability. In this study, 188 topsoil samples in the Tianjin area were collected. The contents of 16 PAHs and soil background properties were determined for all samples. A multivariate geostatistical approach was used for multi-scale spatial analysis for PAH compounds. Results show that coal combustion was the major source for the spatial distribution patterns of PAHs in the topsoil of the studied area. It worked mainly at the short-range scale (5–10 km). Significant spatial variation patterns were identified. In contrast, no significant spatial distribution trends at the nugget (0–5 km) or long-range scales (10–50 km) were seen. Long-range transport and site contamination of PAHs might not be key contributors in forming the distribution pattern of PAHs in the topsoil of Tianjin area.

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Acknowledgments

This study has been supported by the National Science Foundation of China [400371105], the National Basic Research Program of China [2003CB415004] and the National Science Foundation of China [40525003, 40332015]. The authors would also like to thank Dr. Pardo-Iguzquiza for his kind assistance in providing FACTOR2D for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Environmental Sciences, MOE Lab. of Earth Surface Process, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, People’s Republic of China

    X. J. Wang, R. M. Liu, K. Y. Wang, J. D. Hu, Y. B. Ye, S. C. Zhang, F. L. Xu & S. Tao

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  1. X. J. Wang
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  2. R. M. Liu
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  3. K. Y. Wang
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  4. J. D. Hu
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  5. Y. B. Ye
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  6. S. C. Zhang
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  7. F. L. Xu
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  8. S. Tao
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Correspondence to X. J. Wang.

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Wang, X., Liu, R., Wang, K. et al. Application of multivariate spatial analysis in scale-based distribution and source study of PAHs in the topsoil: an example from Tianjin, China. Environ Geol 49, 1208–1216 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-005-0165-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-005-0165-1

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