On applying magnetic method for soil pollution monitoring in Zaporizhzhya

The paper is devoted to the study of magnetic properties and contents of heavy metals in soils from Zaporizhzhya - a powerful industrial center. The low-frequency magnetic susceptibility (Xlf) of soils varies within the range 61… 4087×10⁻⁸ m³/kg with a median value 271×10⁻⁸ m³/kg, and the frequency dependence of magnetic susceptibility Kfd is 0…13 3% with a median value 2,0 %. The low Xlf and high Kfd values inherent to natural soils are observed on the right-bank western part of the city, and low values Kfd <2% and Xlf >10⁻⁵ m³/kg are observed in the main industrial zone where steel-mills are situated.

Statistically significant correlation between magnetic parameters and heavy metals contents are found. Magnetic methods can be recommended for monitoring of soil contamination degree in the city of Zaporizhzhya.