Factor analysis of soil and attic-dust to separate mining and metallurgy influence, Meza valley, Slovenia

Based on the factor analysis of chemical elements determined in topsoil (0-5 cm) and attic-dust, two natural and two man-made (anthropogenic) geochemical associations were discovered in the Meza valley, an old mining and metallurgic area. The natural geochemical association (Al-Ce-Co-K-La-Li-Nb-Rb-Sc-Th-Ti-V) is influenced mainly by weathering of metamorphic rocks, while the anthropogenic association (Ca-Mg) was determined in an area of carbonate rock outcrops. The man-made associations are a result of lead production (Ag-As-Cd-Mo-Pb-S-Sb-Sn-Zn) and iron production (Co-Cr-Mo-Ni-W).