Bioaccessibility of trace elements in soils in Northern Ireland

► Studying bioaccessible concentrations can refine contaminant exposure assessments. ► Tellus Survey (GSNI) soil geochemical dataset provided total concentrations. ► Bioaccessibility testing of soil samples followed the Unified BARGE Method. ► Geostatistical analysis investigated spatial variability of concentrations. ► Total concentrations are not a guide to bioaccessible fraction in all cases.