Geographical distribution of trace elements in natural surface soils: Atmospheric influence from natural and anthropogenic sources

Results from a nationwide multi-element survey of natural surface soils in Norway were subjected to robust principal factor analysis. The results confirm and emphasize the importance of atmospheric deposition as a source of given elements. Transboundary atmospheric transport is a major source of elements such as Pb, As, Sb, and Cd to surface soils in the southern part of the country. Another dominant factor associated with atmospheric deposition is airborne substances of marine origin. The significance of marine input for major cations such as Na+ and Mg++ is confirmed. Trace elements such as Se and Br are also clearly enriched in coastal areas. An additional effect of marine cations not previously demonstrated in the literature appears to be depletion of elements such as Mn, Ba, Eu in surface soils of the coastal regions.