Applications of GIS and a Handheld XRF for Mapping Cu and Pb Contaminations in Abandoned Mine Areas

In this study, we used a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create soil contamination maps regarding Cu and Pb around abandoned mining areas. The Busan abandoned mine in Korea was selected as a study area. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)-based Terrain analysis was performed to identify locations for investigating the soil contamination. At the locations, Cu and Pb contaminations were investigated by using the handheld XRF. The field investigation data were inputted into GIS and utilized to create soil contamination maps using the ordinary kriging method (one of the geostatistical interpolation techniques used in GIS). High concentrations of Cu and Pb were shown at the waste and tailings dumps around abandoned mine openings. As a result, we could know that the method for creating soil contamination maps using a handheld and GIS can be utilized effectively.