Spatial distribution and source apportionment of DTPA-extractable metals in soils surrounding the largest Serbian steel production plant

Despite presenting a practical approach for the characterization of the environmental risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) derived from steel production facilities, the analysis of the spatial distribution of bioavailable PTEs concentrations in the soil is frequently overlooked in the management of polluted sites. In this study, the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable forms of PTEs were investigated in soils surrounding the largest Serbian steel production plant. The correlation and geostatistical analysis indicated their pronounced variability suggesting the anthropogenic origin of most investigated elements, apparently from the steel production facility. The detailed visualization of variables and observations derived by self-organizing maps (SOMs) revealed the homologies in PTEs’ distribution patterns, implying the common origin of some elements. These observations were confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF). The аpplied approach supports a comprehensive assessment of contaminated sites' ecological and health risks and provides a basis for soil remediation.