Magnetic evidence of anthropogenic dust deposition in urban soils of Shanghai, China

The magnetic particulates from anthropogenic activities can be detected by magnetic methods rapidly and cost-effectively. This study focused on the investigation of vertical variations in magnetic properties in soil profiles and magnetic enhancement originating in Baoshan, Shanghai. Also the feasibility of using arable and urban park soils as a new context for magnetic monitoring was explored. A combination of magnetic and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques was applied to three soil profiles. Non-pedogenic magnetic enhancement in topsoil was recorded at all three sites accompanied by coarsening of magnetic grain size. The dominant magnetic properties reflect multi-domain (MD) and pseudo-stable single domain (PSD) ferrimagnetic minerals. Both of magnetic concentrations and grain size decrease with the depth, depending on the pollutant input, soil type and degree of vertical mixing. SEM images confirmed the presence of anthropogenic particulates fly-ash. It was concluded from this study that topsoil magnetic enhancement arising from atmospheric contaminants was readily identifiable in both arable fields and urban parks, thus broadening the scope of magnetic research on urban and industrial pollution.