Trace element soil contamination at a former shooting range in Athens, Greece

This study was focused on the determination of lead, zinc and nickel in a former shooting range in Athens, Greece. In order to propose a hybrid methodology, two analytical techniques were complimented, namely inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Analysis by ICP-MS was carried out over a minimum of locations following international sampling guidelines whereas analysis by XRF was carried out using a portable device and over a denser sampling design. After analyzing certified reference materials, the reliability of both techniques was Pb > Zn > Ni. Linear correlation analysis between techniques suggests that at least some degree of homogenization must be carried out in the field to achieve reliable results with XRF. Characterization maps were built using data from both techniques. A comparison of areas of concern led to the conclusion that the proposed hybrid methodology allows a highly efficient delineation of the contamination and that additional improvement in the characterization can be reached by correcting the XRF data by calibration against ICP-MS measurements.