Dataset description

The BGS digital estimated urban soil chemistry data (GB_EstimatedUrbanSoilChemistry_v3) indicates the estimated geometric mean concentrations (mg kg-1) of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb) in topsoil derived by spatial interpolation of the point source urban soil chemistry data. The information is relevant for the first stage of any assessment of risks to human health required by regulatory authorities in relation to land use and also assessing ecological risks. Estimated topsoil PHE (Potentially Harmful Element) concentrations above respective SGVs (Soil Guideline Value) do not necessarily imply a significant health risk but they do highlight the need to consider whether or not there may be a risk. Comparison of this spatially referenced geochemical data set with information on current or historic land use and geological information might help environmental professionals decide whether high PHE concentrations in topsoils can be attributed to geogenic or anthropogenic sources. The dataset is based on, and limited to, an interpretation of the records in the possession of the BGS at the time the dataset was created. An indication of high estimated PHE concentrations in soil does not necessarily mean that an individual site will have a high PHE concentration. Topsoil concentrations in urban areas are frequently characterised by strong spatial variation over short distances so this data should be interpreted and used with caution. The original urban topsoil samples were collected and analysed as part of the BGS Geochemical Baseline Survey of the Environment (G-BASE) project.

Constraints

Further information

For more information please contact:

Enquiries
British Geological Survey
Environmental Science Centre, Nicker Hill, Keyworth
Nottingham
NG12 5GG

Tel : +44 (0)115 936 3143
Fax :+44 (0)115 936 3276
Email :enquiries@bgs.ac.uk

Associated dataset(s)

Estimated Ambient Background Soil Chemistry England and Wales

Estimated Ambient Background Soil Chemistry Scotland

Estimated Urban Soil Chemistry

Measured Urban Soil Chemistry

Point Source Urban Soil Chemistry Great Britain (version 1)

Soil Chemistry England and Wales (version 3)

Soil Chemistry Scotland (version 3)

Urban Soil Chemistry

Further details

Dataset details

Language	English
Curator	British Geological Survey
Supply media/format	Shapefiles Not applicable
Storage format	Digital:ESRI Files
Frequency of update	as needed
Start of capture	Before 2009
End of capture	Not known
Contact details
Department	Enquiries
Organisation	British Geological Survey
Address	Environmental Science Centre, Nicker Hill, Keyworth
City	Nottingham
County	Nottinghamshire
Country	United Kingdom
Postcode	NG12 5GG
E-mail	enquiries@bgs.ac.uk
Telephone	+44 (0)115 936 3143
Fax	+44 (0)115 936 3276
Keywords
Topic category	geoscientificInformation (information pertaining to earth sciences)
Keywords and Keyphrases	ARSENIC CADMIUM CHROMIUM LEAD NICKEL SOIL CHEMISTRY
Keyword source	BGS Keyphrases
Spatial details
Spatial Reference System	OSGB 1936 / British National Grid [27700]
Dataset extent
Coverage (Lat/Long)	North boundary : 60.86 East boundary  : 1.78 South boundary : 49.77 West boundary  : -8.65
Metadata
Metadata language	English
Metadata last updated	27th June 2012
Metadata standard	ISO standard 19115:2003
Copyright and IPR
The copyright of materials derived from the British Geological Survey's work is vested in the Natural Environment Research Council [NERC]. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a retrieval system of any nature, without the prior permission of the copyright holder, via the BGS Intellectual Property Rights Manager. Use by customers of information provided by the BGS, is at the customer's own risk. In view of the disparate sources of information at BGS's disposal, including such material donated to BGS, that BGS accepts in good faith as being accurate, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the quality or accuracy of the information supplied, or to the information's suitability for any use. NERC/BGS accepts no liability whatever in respect of loss, damage, injury or other occurence however caused.

W -8.65	60.86 N
S 49.77	1.78 E