The use of a geostatistical model supported by multivariate analysis to assess the spatial distribution of mercury in soils from historical mining areas: Karczówka Mt., Miedzianka Mt., and Rudki (south-central Poland)

For the purpose of this study, 181 soil samples were collected from three post-mining areas (Miedzianka Mt. (62), Karczówka Mt. (61), and Rudki (58)) in the Holy Cross Mountains, south-central Poland. Collected samples were dried, disaggregated, and digested in a closed microwave system. All solutions were analyzed for Hg concentrations with cold vapor-atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS) technique using a continuous flow vapor accessory. The average Hg concentrations and the upper limits of geochemical background (UBG) were as follows: Miedzianka Mt. Hg 0.501 mg kg(−1), UBG 0.312 mg kg(−1); Karczówka Mt. Hg 0.150 mg kg(−1), UBG 0.180 mg kg(−1); Rudki area Hg 0.216 mg kg(−1), UBG 0.193 mg kg(−1). The use of a spatial distribution map of mercury concentrations integrated with computed geochemical factors and results of cluster analysis showed a direct relationship between mercury contents and mining activity conducted in these areas. Only in the case of Miedzianka Mt., this relationship was visible and probably resulted from the presence of tennantite (Cu,Fe)(12)As(4)S(13) in soil samples, which was also confirmed with the factor analysis. Higher Hg concentrations in soil samples from Karczówka Mt. and Rudki resulted from the presence of clay and other secondary minerals that increase the mercury adsorption from atmospheric deposition. Fossil fuel and biomass combustion was classified as the main anthropogenic source of the metal, but the neighborhood of a cement factory may be taken under consideration. Our results showed that the use of integrated geostatistical models allows for better data visualization and interpretation. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10661-019-7368-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.