The Journal of Engineering GeologyISSN:1226-5268(Print) 2287-7169(Online)대한지질공학회

Soil contaminants measured and managed in Korea include those of geologic origin such as arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, mercury, and fluoride. This study identifies the distribution of these contaminants using GIS modeling to analyze the spatial probability of soil contamination originating from geology. The modeling found that cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and mercury often exceed the regulated standard by <1%. Concentrations of arsenic and zinc greatly exceeded the standard in the vicinity of mines and industrial complexes: mining and industry seemed to have substantial effects on the concentrations of these metals. Although fluoride was sampled at the lowest number of points, its frequency of exceeding the standard was the highest. No obvious source of artificial contamination has been identified, and fluoride’s distribution characteristics showed continuity over a wide area, suggesting a strong correlation between geological characteristics and fluoride concentration. The highest frequencies of fluoride exceeding the standard were in Jurassic granite (40.00%) and Precambrian banded gneiss (34.12%). As these rocks contributed to the formation of soil through their weathering, high fluoride concentrations can be expected in soil in areas where these rocks are distributed.