Use of multivariate statistical methods to determine spatial distributions of chemical elements in soils (Mariovo region, North Macedonia)

The main objective of this study is to present the distribution of different chemical elements in soil samples from the Mariovo region, North Macedonia. To determine the level of presence of chemical elements, soil samples were collected from a total of 33 locations in a 5×5 km area. From each location, two samples of soil were collected: topsoil (0–5 cm) and bottom soil (20–30 cm). The analyses of soil samples were used to assess the prevalence of the chemical elements and the presence of heavy metals in the studied area. The analysis was carried out, using two instrumental methods: atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES) for macro-elements, and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) for trace elements. A factor analysis was applied to reveal the relationships between the investigated variables (chemical elements). From the obtained results, spatial distribution maps of factors for the separate groups were prepared, as well as distribution maps for the analyzed elements. It was found that the distributions of most elements follow the lithology of the examined area. Factor analysis revealed the relationships between the investigated variables and could provide dimensionality reduction based on them.