Magnetic susceptibility mapping of roadside pollution

The aims of our study are to trace the distribution and concentration of co ntaminants in soils along roads and highways carrying appreciable traffic b y using magnetic proxies. In addition, the concentration gradients and poss ible accumulation of pollutants in deeper soil layers are investigated. Mag netic susceptibility is used for pollution mapping in the field (Bartington bridge). The distribution of the susceptibility values represents polluted areas strongly influenced by traffic frequency, roadside topography, meteo rological conditions (e.g., wind direction) and other factors. A magnetite- like phase was found to be responsible for the enhancement of the magnetic signal in the roadside soil. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.