Land Suitability Mapping Using Geochemical and Spatial Analysis Methods

Abstract

Assessing the suitability of urban and agricultural land is essential for planning sustainable urban and agricultural systems. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the suitability of land in Ioannina plain (western Greece) concerning the soil contents of two potentially toxic elements, cadmium (Cd) and cobalt (Co). Geochemical and spatial analysis methods were applied to assess the distribution of Cd and Co in the soil of the Ioannina plain and identify their origin. The primary anthropogenic sources of Cd and Co in the topsoil of the study area can be attributed to traffic emissions, aircraft operations, vehicle crushing and dismantling activities. Element content is compared to international guidelines and screening values. Cadmium and Co concentration in the soil of the study area is well above the European topsoil mean. Thus, the urban and agricultural lands cover the vast majority (92%) of the total area. Cadmium concentration in soil of the study area with a mean (mg kg−1) 1.7 and 2.0 was observed in agricultural and urban land use, respectively. Cobalt content in soil of the area studied with a mean (mg kg−1) 30.8 and 37.1 was recorded in agricultural and urban land use, respectively. Land evaluation suitability by adopting criteria provided from the international literature is discussed.

Role of Pond Sediments for Trapping Pesticides in an Agricultural Catchment (Auradé, SW France): Distribution and Controlling Factors

“…Intensive agriculture may contribute to soil erosion and to pesticide transfer to aquatic environments [3][4][5][6]. Some agricultural areas thus undergo a risk for river contamination depending on their typology or uses [7][8][9][10]. Indeed, pesticides are transferred from soils to watercourses by many different pathways.…”

Optimized Land Use through Integrated Land Suitability and GIS Approach in West El-Minia Governorate, Upper Egypt

“…Remote sensing, geostatistics and geographic information systems were also successfully employed for determining land suitability of important crops in other countries [43]. Land suitability mapping using geochemical and spatial analysis methods was also used in cases of soils contaminated with toxic elements [44]. In the present study, we determined optimized land use through integrated land suitability and the GIS approach in the West El-Minia Governorate, Upper Egypt.…”

Evaluating the Performance of Water Quality Indices: Application in Surface Water of Lake Union, Washington State-USA

“…Complex and diversified water quality challenges need urgent worldwide attention and response. Intensive anthropogenic activities and rapid economic growth have added to the pressure on the environment and ecosystems, resulting in soil and water resource degradation, severely limiting sustainability [2][3][4][5][6]. The presence of chemical compounds is the cause of pollution in both groundwater and surface water [7][8][9][10][11][12].…”