Arsenic in European topsoils

Maps of Arsenic (As) in EU topsoils at 250m resolution. In addition, we provide the exceedance probabilities for the threshold of 1.5, 20 and 45 mg kg-1 . We also provide comparison with GEMAS data on As.
Resource Type: 
Datasets
Soil Threats Data
Registration is requested: 
Yes
Year: 
2024
Themes: 
Soil Contamination

Title: Arsenic in European topsoils
Description: EUSO has developrd a new method to model As contamination in European soils using LUCAS soil samples. We introduce the GAMLSS-RF model, a novel approach that couples Random Forests with Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape. The semiparametric model can capture non-linear interactions among input variables while accommodating censored and non-censored observations and can be calibrated to include information from other campaign databases. After fitting and validating a spatial model, we produced European-scale As concentration maps at a 250 m spatial resolution and evaluated the patterns against reference values (i.e., two action levels and a background concentration). We found a significant variability of As concentration across the continent, with lower concentrations in Northern countries and higher concentrations in Portugal, Spain, Austria, France and Belgium. By overcoming limitations in existing databases and methodologies, the present approach provides an alternative way to handle highly censored data. The model also consists of a valuable probabilistic tool for assessing As contamination risks in soils, contributing to informed policy-making for environmental and health protection..
Spatial Coverage: EU + UK
Resolution: 250m
Time Reference:  2009
Format: GEOTIFF Units: mg kg-1
Projection: IGNF:ETRS89LAEA - ETRS89 Lambert Azimutal Equal Area
More Information: Arsenic in EU topsoils
Reference: Fendrich, A.N., Van Eynde, E., Stasinopoulos, D.M., Rigby, R.A., Mezquita, F.Y., Panagos, P., 2024. Modeling arsenic in European topsoils with a coupled semiparametric (GAMLSS-RF) model for censored data. Environment International, 185: 108544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108544

Main highlights:

  • A methdological alternative to handle highly censored As data is developed.
  • Higher risk associated with warmer, higher areas with clayey and phosphorus-rich soils.
  • Higher As concentrations in Portugal, Spain, Austria, France and Belgium.
  • Countries present a non-negligible risk of exceeding the 45 mg kg-1 limit of action.
  • As concentrations exceed background values, but the threshold adopted is uncertain.

 

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  1. The data provided has been prepared for use by internal research activities in EU Soil Observatory (JRC Ispra) .
  2. The data were developed for research purposes of the JRC (European Commission). The JRC does not accept any liability whatsoever for any error, missing data or omission in the data, or for any loss or damage arising from its use. The JRC agrees to provide the data free of charge but is not bound to justify the content and values contained in the databases.
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Reference of source (Citations) :

Fendrich, A.N., Van Eynde, E., Stasinopoulos, D.M., Rigby, R.A., Mezquita, F.Y., Panagos, P., 2024. Modeling arsenic in European topsoils with a coupled semiparametric (GAMLSS-RF) model for censored data. Environment International, 185: 108544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108544

When making reference to the ESDAC

  • Panagos, P., Van Liedekerke, M., Borrelli, P., Köninger, J., Ballabio, C., Orgiazzi, A., Lugato, E., Liakos, L., Hervas, J., Jones, A.  Montanarella, L. 2022. European Soil Data Centre 2.0: Soil data and knowledge in support of the EU policies. European Journal of Soil Science, 73(6), e13315. DOI: 10.1111/ejss.13315
  • Panagos P., Van Liedekerke M., Jones A., Montanarella L., “European Soil Data Centre: Response to European policy support and public data requirements”; (2012) Land Use Policy, 29 (2), pp. 329-338. doi:10.1016/j.landusepol.2011.07.003
  • European Soil Data Centre (ESDAC), esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu, European Commission, Joint Research Centre