M. V. R. Prasad

Multivariate statistical analysis of heavy metal concentration in soils of Yelagiri Hills, Tamilnadu, India – Spectroscopical approach

Anthropogenic activities increase the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil environment. Soil pollution significantly reduces environmental quality and affects the human health. In the present study soil samples were collected at different locations of Yelagiri Hills, Tamilnadu, India for heavy metal analysis. The samples were analyzed for twelve selected heavy metals (Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni and Zn) using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy. Heavy metals concentration in soil were investigated using enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) to determine metal accumulation, distribution and its pollution status. Heavy metal toxicity risk was assessed using soil quality guidelines (SQGs) given by target and intervention values of Dutch soil standards. The concentration of Ni, Co, Zn, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ti, K, Al, Mg were mainly controlled by natural sources. Multivariate statistical methods such as correlation matrix, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were applied for the identification of heavy metal sources (anthropogenic/natural origin). Geo-statistical methods such as kirging identified hot spots of metal contamination in road areas influenced mainly by presence of natural rocks.

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of ancient potteries from Vellore District Tamilnadu, India with statistical approach

Abstract In the present study concentration of trace elements in ancient potteries collected in Vellore Dist of Tamilnadu, India, was determined using ED-XRF technique. The analysed shreds are belong to the 18th century. Fourteen elements have been determined in 56 pottery fragments. These elemental concentrations were processed using multivariate statistical methods, principal component analysis and cluster analyses to determine similarities and correlation between the various samples. Chemical composition of examined shreds revealed the type of clay (Calcareous/Non-Calcareous). The statistical results revealed patterns of trade between these communities. The 56 shards had been classified into three major groups based on variations in composition.