The spatial distribution, source identification and contamination assessment of trace metal contents in the agricultural soils around Sidi Ahmed Pb-Zn abandoned mine, Northern Tunisia, were investigated using statistical methods, pollution indicators and geographic information system (GIS) mapping techniques. A total of 7 soil tailing samples, 54 agricultural topsoil samples and 9 background topsoil samples were collected. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, V, Zn and Zr were then analyzed. The tailings samples are extremely rich in trace metals. The maximum concentrations in the tailings were 635.4, 618.2, 156.3, 713.8, 59989 and 91691 mg.kg-1 for As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn, respectively.
Statistical methods (descriptive statistics, Pearson
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