Evaluation of Geogenic Enrichment Using Satellite, Geochemical, and Aeromagnetic Data in the Central Anti-Atlas (Morocco): Implications for Soil Enrichment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Natural geogenic effects lead to alterations in soil heavy metal concentrations. This study assesses the presence of elevated trace-element concentrations in the Oued Irriri watershed in southeastern Morocco. ASTER satellite imagery, geochemical, and aeromagnetic data are combined to determine the origin of these anomalies. Processing of ASTER images delineated alteration zones coinciding with areas of high heavy metal anomalies by detecting hydrothermal alteration minerals, including muscovite, montmorillonite, illite, hematite, jarosite, chlorite, and epidote. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of geochemical data distribution in soils enabled the characterization of variations in trace-element concentrations, the extraction of geochemical anomalies, and the identification of potential sources of contamination. Comparing satellite image processing results with geochemical analyses facilitated the production of a geogenic enrichment map. The study results indicate high enrichment levels of zinc, Molybdenum, and bismuth in the western basin, of purely lithological origin. Hydrothermal alteration surfaces intersect geochemical anomaly zones in the north and northeast, primarily showing the impact of fault rooting on the surface deposition of Cu, Ba, Hg, and Pb-rich deposits. This study developed a geogenic enrichment map indicating naturally affected areas, identifying potential risks to eco-environmental systems, and better preventing the effects of geogenic enrichment.
Source: Earth
DOI: 10.3390/earth6040113
Institutions: Université Ibn Zohr, University of Coimbra
Language: English
Topic: Heavy metals in environment
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,448
OpenAlex ID: W4414510448