Relationship between magnetic properties and heavy metals of urban soils with different soil types and environmental settings: implications for magnetic mapping

Two types of soil (fluvisols and anthrosols) were collected from different environmental settings (suburb and industrial area) in Wuhan, central China, aiming to examine the applicability of magnetic mapping for heavy metal pollution of urban soil in a large region. Magnetic measurements and chemical analysis indicated elevated magnetization and heavy metal concentrations of topsoils in the industrial area. Magnetic susceptibility (χ), anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) of fluvisols are much higher than those of anthrosols, but contrary for frequency-dependent susceptibility, indicating that soil magnetism strongly depends on the soil type/condition. Predominant magnetic carrier in topsoils in industrial area is pseudo-single-domain/multi-domain magnetite. Environmental scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray examination of the magnetic extracts from these topsoils revealed abundant spherical particles with diameters of 10–50 μm that are rich in iron-oxides, and could be attributed to the nearby industrial activities (e.g., steel work and power generation). Significant correlations were observed between magnetic concentration-related parameters (e.g., χ, ARM and SIRM) and concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg and Tomlinson pollution load index. These results proposed that magnetic proxy mapping of soil pollution is an effective, fast and inexpensive tool for delineation of heavy metal pollution. However, interpretation of magnetic properties for such a purpose must be done on a site-specific basis, taking into account the possibilities of pedogenic enhancement/depletion under the specific soil conditions.     

Magnetic enhancement of urban roadside soils as a proxy of degree of pollution by traffic-related activities

Detailed magnetic and geochemical measurements were performed on urban roadside soils collected from Lishui city, China, to establish a possible link between the enhanced concentration of traffic-related magnetic particles and heavy metals. Relatively higher magnetic susceptibility (mean: 124.1 × 10⁻⁸ m³ kg⁻¹) and concentrations of metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) were observed for roadside soils. Concentration-dependent magnetic parameters (χ and SIRM) are highly significantly positively correlated to the concentration of metals (Ca, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, and V), but not significantly correlated with As, Mn, Co, Mg, and K. The principal component analysis showed that χ and SIRM significantly correspond to elements Ca, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. The χ and SIRM also have significant linear correlation with integrated pollution index, indicating that χ and SIRM can be used as effective proxy indicators for the pollution of heavy metals. Magnetite in the pseudo-single-domain/multidomain (PSD/MD) grain size was identified as the dominant magnetic carrier by temperature-dependent measurements of saturation magnetization (Ms–T curve), XRD and hysteresis loops. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of the magnetic particles revealed the presence of large traffic-related angular-subangular, blocky, and spherical iron oxide particles. These iron oxide particles are typical for particles produced by traffic-related anthropogenic activities. It is concluded that vehicle emissions may be the major source of elevated heavy metals and magnetic particles in roadside soils. The results proved the applicability of magnetic method in detecting roadside pollution derived from vehicle emissions.     

Environmental magnetic and geochemical characteristics of Chennai coastal sediments,Bay of Bengal,India

In this study, environmental magnetic, heavy metal and statistical analyses were conducted on 21 surface sediments collected from Chennai coast, India, to examine the feasibility of heavy metal pollution using magnetic susceptibility. The Chennai coastal sediment samples are dominated by ferrimagnetic minerals corresponding to magnetite-like minerals. The percentage of frequency dependent magnetic susceptibility reflects the presence of super-paramagnetic/single domain magnetic minerals in Chennai harbour, Cooum and Adayar rivers sediments. High pollution load index in sample E1, E2, CH7, C11, C12 and A16 is mainly due to anthropogenic activities such as, harbour activities, Cooum and Adayar rivers input and industrial effluent. Factor analysis shows that the magnetic concentration dependent parameters (χ, χ _ARM and SIRM) covary with the heavy metal concentrations, suggesting that the input of magnetic minerals and heavy metals in Chennai coastal sediments are derived from the same anthropogenic sources. Strong correlation obtained between pollution load index (PLI) and concentration dependent parameters (χ, χ _ARM and SIRM) for the polluted samples with magnetic susceptibility excess of 50×10^− 8 m³kg^− 1. Significant correlations between heavy metals and magnetic susceptibility point out the potential of magnetic screening/monitoring for simple and rapid proxy indicator of heavy metal pollution in marine sediments.     

Heavy metal pollution and soil magnetic susceptibility in urban soil of Beni Mellal City (Morocco)

The assessment of anthropogenic impact in the urban environment can be evaluated according to heavy metal contents of soils such as Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Fe. These elements have more affinity to establish metallic bond with ferrous material leading to enhancement of soil magnetic susceptibility. The objective of this study was to undertake joint magnetic and geochemical investigations of road-side urban soil materials to address the environmental pollution of Beni Mellal city that has been subjected to environmental stress, due to population overpressure and related urbanization. Twenty three soils magnetic susceptibility profiles were made along 5 km peripheral national road (N8) in Beni Mellal. The magnetic survey reported here for the first time on this City’s topsoils tries to establish the link between magnetic properties and the content of heavy metals. High magnetic susceptibility values and high contents of heavy metals were found near the paved edge of the road and within the place reserved as large engine park. Magnetic extracts of highly polluted areas and unpolluted soil (olive plantation) were analyzed by SEM coupled with RDX in order to discriminate anthropogenic magnetic spherules and pedo-lithogenic magnetite-like minerals. Magnetic mineralogy determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy suggests the presence of hematite, magnetite and goethite in highly polluted areas. The iron oxides and especially goethite are efficient in incorporating and/or adsorbing foreign ions.     

武汉市东湖沉积物的磁性特征与重金属含量之间的关系

对武汉市东湖主湖区的郭郑湖和塘林湖114个沉积物样品的磁化率与代表性样品的频率磁化率系数、磁滞回线参量和重金属元素进行系统分析, 综合区域环境背景, 探讨应用岩石磁性方法技术评价大型城市内陆湖泊沉积物污染程度的可行性及其效果.结果表明, 在主成分中, 郭郑湖沉积物没有一个主成分占绝对优势, 仅有少数重金属元素含量与磁化率相关, 磁化率χ与重金属富集强度的相关性较差; 而塘林湖沉积物有一个“工业源”的主成份占绝对优势, Fe (全铁)、Co、V、Mn、Ti、Ba、Cr、Ni、Cu等元素与饱和等温剩磁SIRM、χ关系密切(相关系数大于0.87).郭郑湖与塘林湖的沉积物的饱和等温剩磁与重金属富集强度的相关程度高于磁化率, 因此, 可以用其(SIRM) 作为环境污染程度的指示参量.      

Environment impact of heavy metals on urban soil in the vicinity of industrial area of Baoji city,P.R. China

Heavy metals in soils are of great environmental concern, in order to evaluate heavy metal contents and their relationships in the surface soil of industrial area of Baoji city, and also to investigate their influence on the soils. Soil samples were collected from 50 sites, and the concentration of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni heavy metals and the contents of characteristics in soil from industrial area of Baoji city were determined with X-ray fluorescence method. The concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni in the investigated soils reached the amount of 2,682.00–76,979.42, 169.30–8,288.58, 62.24–242.36, 91.96–110.54 and 36.14–179.28 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The major element Pb contents of the topsoils were determined. to highlight the influence of ‘anthropic’ features on the heavy metal concentrations and their distributions. To compare, all values of elements were much higher than those of unpolluted soils in the middle of Shaanxi province that average 16.0–26.5, 67.1–120.0, 17.8–57.0, 46.9–65.6 and 24.7–34.6 mg kg⁻¹ for Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni, respectively. An ensemble of basic and relativity analysis was performed to reduce the precipitate of Pb in soil was extremely high and greatly relativity with other elements. Meanwhile, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni heavy metals were typical elements of anthropic activities sources, so it was easy to infer to the tracers of anthropic pollutions from the factorial analysis, which was coming from the storage battery manufactory pollutions. The pollutant distributions were constructed for the urban area which identified storage battery manufactory soot precipitate as the main source of diffuse pollution and also showed the contribution of the topsoils of industrial area of Baoji city as the source point of pollution. Consequently, the impact of heavy metals on soil was proposed and discussed. These results highlight the need for instituting a systematic and continuous monitoring of heavy metals and other forms of pollutants in Baoji city to ensure that pollution does not become a serious problem in the future.     

雄安新区西南部土壤重金属污染特征及生态风险评价

土壤重金属污染具有巨大的生态环境风险和危害。本文以雄安新区西南部(老河头镇、同口镇和芦庄乡)的表层土壤和大宗农作物小麦、玉米为研究对象,在对8种重金属As、Ni、Cu、Cr、Pb、Hg、Cd和Zn含量测试分析的基础上,开展了土壤重金属污染和生态风险评价。结果表明:研究区表层土壤局部存在重金属超标情况,重金属的污染程度依次为:Cd>As>Cu>Zn>Pb>Hg,Cr和Ni土壤环境清洁;研究区表层土壤重金属污染是人为源输入,老河头镇及周边大量有色金属冶炼活动是可能的主要污染源;8种重金属的潜在生态危害程度由强至弱依次为:Cd>Hg>As>Cu>Pb>Zn>Cr>Ni;多金属潜在生态风险指数RI的平均值为252,土壤整体的重金属潜在危害程度为中等风险,其中Cd对潜在生态风险指数RI的贡献最大,且Cd的活性最强,迁移能力强,易被植物吸收。研究成果可为雄安新区的土地利用规划提供重要依据。     

Spatial distribution, source identification and affecting factors of heavy metals contamination in urban–suburban soils of Lishui city, China

An investigation on spatial distribution, possible pollution sources, and affecting factors of heavy metals in the urban–suburban soils of Lishui city (China) was conducted using geographic information system (GIS) technique and multivariate statistics. The results indicated that the topsoils in urban and suburban areas were enriched with metals, such as Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Spatial distribution maps of heavy metal contents, based on geostatistical analysis and GIS mapping, indicated that Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn had similar patterns of spatial distribution. Their hot-spot areas were mainly concentrated in the densely populated old urban area of the city. Multivariate statistical analysis (correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and clustering analysis) showed distinctly different associations among the studied metals, suggesting that Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Zn had anthropogenic sources, whereas Co and V were associated with parent materials and therefore had natural sources. The Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn contents were positively correlated with soil organic matter, pH, and sand content (p < 0.01). It is concluded that GIS and multivariate statistical methods can be used to identify hot-spot areas and potential sources of heavy metals, and assess soil environment quality in urban–suburban areas.     

Magnetic characteristics of topsoil from Xinjiang, Northwestern China, and their implications

In this study, a set of environmental magnetic parameters (_{χlf, χfd}%, _χARM , SIRM, HIRM, SOFT and SIRM/_{χlf, χARM} /SIRM and _χARM /_χlf) of 331 top-soil samples from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China were systematically measured and the magnetic characteristics and its environmental significance were discussed. Our results indicate that the main magnetic minerals of these top-soils are single-domain magnetite. The content of magnetic minerals in top-soils from north Xinjiang is higher than that from south Xinjiang; however, the content of hard magnetic minerals is higher in the topsoils from south Xinjiang. The top-soils from Yili region contain similar magnetic minerals as that from south Xinjiang, but with much stronger magnetic SP content due to higher pedogenic processes. The differences in magnetic characteristics among top-soils from different regions of Xinjiang might reflect the differences of regional climatic factors, especially the precipitation.     

Magnetic properties of urban soil profile and their significance for traffic pollution-Case study of the capital airport expressway in Beijing

An expressway-side soil profile 22 cm long was sampled from the grassland of the expressway linking Beijing and the Capital International Airport. Magnetic measurements, geochemical and multivariate statistic analyses were performed on the soil samples. The results reveal that the soil profile can be divided into two parts with significant difference in magnetic proxies and heavy metal concentration. The uppermost soil horizon (0–8 cm) represents the pollution-rich layer with higher concentration of ferrimagnetic phases and metallic elements. The values of xare very high with an average of 141.60 × 10⁻⁸ m³·kg⁻¹ in the layer. We explain that the anthropogenic dust input from traffic is the predominant cause for strong signals of magnetic phases and heavy metals. Below the profile depth of 8 cm, there is minor pollution in the soil with lower concentration of magnetic minerals and heavy metals compared to the natural background values. χ remains quite stable and relatively low with an average of 49.44 × 10⁻⁸ m³·kg⁻¹. S-ratio also generally decreases with depth, and it changes from 0.93 in the 0–8 cm layer to 0.87 below the depth of 8 cm. It indicates that the soil samples are overwhelmingly predominated by ferrimagnetic minerals in the upper part soil, while the contribution of imperfect antiferromagnetic components is stronger in the lower part. Rock magnetic experiments show MD magnetite as the main magnetic carrier both in the upper and lower parts. Themagnetic grain size in the upper part is, however, a bit coarser than that in the lower part. Cluster analysis shows a positive correlation between magnetic properties (χ, ARM, SIRM) and heavy metal pollutants of Pb, Zn, Cu. Fuzzy C-means cluster analysis can clearly help divide the soil profile into two different layers and distinguish their characteristics. It can be concluded that these magnetic concentration-related parameters can be used as proxies for pollution investigation in a fast, sensitive, low-cost and highly efficient approach to screening heavy metal pollution. __________ Translated from Quaternary Sciences, 2007, 27(6): 1113-1120 [译自:第四纪研究]     

钢铁厂附近树木年轮的磁学性质及其环境意义

通过磁学手段以树木年轮为研究对象,通过多参数磁学研究探讨钢铁厂周围环境污染的历史.研究表明:钢铁厂附近树木年轮样品中磁性矿物为准单畴(其中颗粒偏向于多畴)的磁铁矿,磁性矿物形状各异,粒径大小不一;样品中磁铁矿的含量随年份的不同差异很大;通过树木不同方向上磁性参数尤其是饱和等温剩磁(SIRM)值的差异以及扫描电镜(SEM)和X射线能谱(EDX)分析,发现树木木质部中的磁性颗粒来自于树皮,即大气中颗粒被树皮和树叶表面吸附后,在树木的生长季节通过树皮进入形成层的木质部细胞,然后通过木质化作用被固定在当年生长的树木木质部木材中;另外,朝向钢铁厂方向的树干年轮钻芯样品SIRM值与对应年份钢铁厂年生产量之间高度相关,磁性颗粒在年轮之间不存在横向迁移,树干年轮钻芯的磁性参数(SIRM和部分磁滞参数)可指示该区大气环境污染的历史;污染树木钻芯样品的SIRM随时间的变化曲线说明该研究区大气污染日益严重.     

Contamination and potential mobility assessment of heavy metals in urban soils of Hangzhou,China: relationship with different land uses

Concentration and distribution of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in urban soils of Hangzhou, China, were measured based on different land uses. The contamination degree of heavy metals was assessed on the basis of pollution index (PI), integrated pollution index (IPI) and geoaccumulation index (I _geo). The 0.1 mol l⁻¹ HCl extraction procedure and gastric juice simulation test (GJST) were used to evaluate the potential mobility and environmental risk of heavy metals in urban soils. The average concentration of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in urban soils was measured at 1.2 (with a range of 0.7–4.6), 52.0 (7.4–177.3), 88.2 (15.0–492.1) and 206.9 (19.3–1,249.2) mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The degree of contamination increased in the order of industrial area (IA) > roadside (RS) > residential and commercial areas (RC) > public park and green areas (PG). The PIs for heavy metals indicated that there is a considerable Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn pollution, which originate from traffic and industrial activities. The IPI of these four metals ranged from 1.6 to 11.8 with a mean of 3.5, with the highest IPI in the industrial area. The assessment results of I _geo also supported that urban soil were moderately contaminated with Cd and to a lesser extent also with Cu, Pb and Zn. The IP and I _geo values reveal the pollution degree of heavy metal was the order of Cd > Pb > Zn ≈ Cu. It was shown that mobility and bioavailability of the heavy metals in urban soils increased in the order of Cd > Cu > Zn ≈ Pb. Owing to high mobility of Cd and Cu in the urban soils, further investigations are needed to understand their effect on the urban environment and human health. It is concluded that industrial activities and emissions from vehicles may be the major source of heavy metals in urban contamination. Results of this study present a rough guide about the distribution and potential environmental and health risk of heavy metals in the urban soils.     

Accumulation and sources of heavy metals in urban topsoils: a case study from the city of Xuzhou, China

The knowledge of the variability, the anthropogenic versus natural origin and corresponding environmental risk for potentially harmful elements in urban topsoils is of importance to assess human impact. The aims of the present study were: (1) to assess the distribution of heavy metals (Sn, Li, Ga, Ba, Fe, Mn, Co, Be, Ti, Al, Hg, Cr, Sb, As, Bi, Pd, Pt, Au, Ni, Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Se, Mo, Sc and Ag) in urban environment; (2) to discriminate natural and anthropogenic contributions; and (3) to identify possible sources of pollution. Multivariate statistic approaches (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) were adopted for data treatment, allowing the identification of three main factors controlling the heavy metal variability in Xuzhou urban topsoils. Results demonstrate that Hg, Cr, Sb, As, Bi, Pd, Pt, Au, Ni, Cd, Br, Zn, Cu, S, Pb, Se, Mo, Sc and Ag could be inferred to be tracers of anthropogenic pollution, whereas Al, Ti, Ga, Li, V, Co, Pt, Mn and Be were interpreted to be mainly inherited from parent materials. Iron, Ba, Sn, Pd and Br were interpreted to be affected by mixed sources.     

Mapping soil pollution by spatial analysis and fuzzy classification

Spatial analysis and fuzzy classification techniques were used to estimate the spatial distributions of heavy metals in soil. The work was applied to soils in a coastal region that is characterized by intense urban occupation and large numbers of different industries. Concentrations of heavy metals were determined using geostatistical techniques and classes of risk were defined using fuzzy classification. The resulting prediction mappings identify the locations of high concentrations of Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cu in topsoils of the study area. The maps show that areas of high pollution of Ni and Cu are located at the northeast, where there is a predominance of industrial and agricultural activities; Pb and Zn also occur in high concentrations in the northeast, but the maps also show significant concentrations of Pb and Zn in other areas, mainly in the central and southeastern parts, where there are urban leisure activities and trade centers. Maps were also prepared showing levels of pollution risk. These maps show that (1) Cu presents a large pollution risk in the north–northwest, midwest, and southeast sectors, (2) Pb represents a moderate risk in most areas, (3) Zn generally exhibits low risk, and (4) Ni represents either low risk or no risk in the studied area. This study shows that combining geostatistics with fuzzy theory can provide results that offer insight into risk assessment for environmental pollution.     

江西乐安江流域稻田土重金属累积变化与德兴矿集区关系

对乐安江流域稻田表层土壤中Pb、Cd、Cu、Zn的分布特征进行分析,按照单因子污染指数法和内梅罗综合污染指数法,依据土壤环境背景值标准和国家土壤环境质量标准对乐安江流域稻田土壤的重金属进行评价。结果表明,矿集区上游水稻田土壤重金属综合污染指数等级尚在安全范围内,矿集区周边Cd和Cu的单项污染指数大于1,综合污染指数达到7.82,属于重污染;矿集区下游接近警戒值。研究表明,矿集区矿业开发释放的重金属元素对乐安江中下游流域水稻田土壤的重金属累积具有重要影响。     

Comparison of magnetic parameters with vehicular Br levels in urban roadside soils

Chemical methods are generally chosen to monitor soil pollution but magnetic measurements proved to yield additional information at low cost and less time consumption. In this investigation, the novel use of rapid and non-destructive magnetic measurements to characterize Br levels in Xuzhou (China) urban roadside soils was reported. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) was used to quantify Br in the soil samples. Data from 21 roadside soil samples confirm Br contamination, with a mean level of 4.36 mg kg⁻¹ and a range of 2.4–8.7 mg kg⁻¹. These values are higher than that of unpolluted soils in Xuzhou that averages 1.1 mg kg⁻¹. Hierarchical clustering analysis shows Br in Xuzhou roadside soils is mainly from road traffic. Clear correlations between Br levels and simple magnetic parameters [mass specific susceptibility (χ _LF), susceptibility of anhysteretic remanent magnetization (χ _ARM), saturation isothermal remanence (SIRM)] are observed. The present study shows that these three magnetic parameters can be used as a proxy for Br levels in Xuzhou urban roadside soils.     

Magnetic measurements and pollutants of sediments from Cauvery and Palaru River,India

Rock-magnetic techniques have become a useful tool in environmental issues; in particular, magnetic studies constitute an alternative way to study pollution in different media. The present contribution focuses on magnetic parameters as pollution indicators, especially from their relationship with contents of heavy metals. The work was carried out in two Indian rivers located in Tamil Nadu, southern India. Several sediment samples were collected and studied in the laboratory using magnetic techniques, magnetic susceptibility, anhysteric remanent magnetization, isothermal remanent magnetization, and chemical techniques to determine contents of heavy metals. Magnetic mineralogy indicates the predominance of ferrimagnetic minerals; although magnetite-like minerals are the main magnetic carriers, antiferromagnetic minerals can be present as subordinate carriers. Concentration-dependent magnetic parameters revealed noticeable differences between both rivers, e.g. magnetic susceptibility is four times higher in Cauvery than in Palaru River. Moreover, such increase can be interpreted as “magnetic enhancement” and therefore related to the pollution status. This magnetic enhancement indicated a different pollutant contribution in both rivers, and also, a different spatial distribution along these rivers, where critical (or more polluted) sites were identified. On the other hand, univariate and multivariate statistical analyses—e.g. PCoordA, Multifactorial Analysis of distance, PCA and RDA—were examined, revealing a link between magnetic and chemical variables. Among magnetic parameters, the concentration-dependent magnetic parameters (e.g. magnetic susceptibility) seem to be the most relevant for this study.     

Correlation between magnetic susceptibility and heavy metals in urban topsoil: a case study from the city of Xuzhou, China

Anthropogenic influence, mainly due to urban and industrial activities and traffic exhaust, may affect urban topsoil via atmospheric contamination and solid waste. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were conducted on 21 urban topsoil samples from the city of Xuzhou, China. High intensities of magnetic susceptibility were detected in the majority of the samples. SEM analysis shows that magnetic minerals are in the form of spherules and mainly due to anthropogenic inputs. The heavy metals Pb, Cu, Zn, Se, Sc, Mo, Fe, and Bi show strong correlations with magnetic susceptibility, and Ag, Ba, Cd, Ni, Cr, Sb, and Sn, on the other hand, show a weak correlation with magnetic susceptibility. Whereas, of these metals studied, only Hg has no significant correlation with the susceptibility. The Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI) also shows significant correlation with the susceptibility (χ). The present study shows that magnetic susceptibility is a fast, inexpensive, and non-destructive method for the detection and mapping of contaminated soils.     

长沙、株洲、湘潭三市土壤中重金属元素的来源

为追踪长沙、株洲、湘潭3个城市表层土壤中Cd、As、Pb等重金属元素的来源,分析了土壤、基岩、大气干湿沉降、水、悬浮物等介质之间重金属元素的质量平衡和土壤自身重金属元素含量随时间变化的特点。结果显示,除As外,区内基岩中的重金属元素含量低于克拉克值;残积物中Cd相对基岩贫化,As、Pb、Cu、Hg等重金属元素相对基岩的富集小于3倍;大气干湿沉降重金属元素相对土壤富集了数倍至数十倍;湘江水体主要向沿江潮土提供As、Cd物源:近50年内土壤重金属元素有较高的增加速率。不同介质间重金属元素的质量变化特点支持长沙、株洲、湘潭三市土壤重金属元素富集的主要物源为大气沉降,地表水及悬浮物是沿江湖土重金属元素的主要物源,基岩对土壤提供的物源有限的结论。     

磁学方法在环境污染研究中的应用

环境磁学方法问世20多年来，因其快速、灵敏、经济、无破坏性和信息量大的特点，在环境研究中得到广泛的应用。磁学方法可用于传统的污染分析技术（化学）之前的预研究，而后者一般耗费大量人力、物力和时间；它也可以作为环境污染评估的代用指标。近年来，随着世界环境污染问题的日益严重和倍受关注，磁学方法被广泛地应用于环境污染研究。欧洲环境磁学专家在重建污染历史、监测现代环境污染、追踪与分离污染源等方面，开展了大量的工作，并积累了一定的经验。介绍了磁学方法用于污染研究的显著特点、主要用途、野外工作方法以及相关仪器；展示了在大气、土壤、潮滩、河流、湖泊以及海洋等不同环境系统中，利用磁手段研究污染的成果和最新进展；对 于一些难点、热点问题，如磁性机理的研究、多源污染的分离、强烈多变的人类活动对获取有意义磁讯号的影响等，做了相应的分析和总结。