Research data on trace element concentrations in soils of the historical uranium mining area of Kowary, Poland

Description

This dataset contains the research data supporting the study on the spatial variability of trace element concentrations in soils within the historical uranium mining and processing area of Kowary, southwestern Poland. The dataset includes sampling-site coordinates and land-use information, particle-size distribution, soil pH measured in H₂O and KCl, organic matter content, concentrations of As, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn, and Fe, radiometric measurements, and environmental variables used in the statistical analyses. The data cover 45 soil samples collected from 15 soil profiles at depths of 10, 30, and 50 cm. The dataset also includes distances from sampling locations to the nearest post-mining waste heap and to the Jedlica River channel. For statistical analyses, Cd concentrations below the limit of quantification (<0.1 mg kg⁻¹) were replaced with 0.05 mg kg⁻¹. Radiometric data comprise eight readings obtained at equal time intervals for each sample.

Steps to reproduce

Soil samples were collected from 15 profiles at depths of 10, 30, and 50 cm. Trace element concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry following microwave digestion with nitric acid. Soil pH, organic matter content, particle-size distribution, and radiometric count rates were determined as described in the associated manuscript. Distances to the nearest post-mining waste heap and to the Jedlica River channel were calculated in QGIS using the shortest Euclidean distance method. Relationships between trace element concentrations and environmental variables were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. For statistical analyses, Cd concentrations below the limit of quantification (<0.1 mg kg⁻¹) were replaced with 0.05 mg kg⁻¹.

Institutions

• University of Wrocław

  Lower Silesia, Wroclaw

Categories

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