The urban geochemistry of soils from selected cities in the UK

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is responsible for the strategic geochemical
mapping of the UK – the Geochemical Baseline Survey of the Environment (GBASE)
programme. This programme is based upon the systematic collection of
stream sediment, stream water and soil samples at a density of 1 per 1.5 – 2 km2
across the UK that are analysed for total concentrations of approximately 40 inorganic
chemical determinants. These data are presented in map format as a series of atlases
showing element distributions in the UK surface environment. Historically urban
areas were avoided during the survey so that ‘natural’ geochemical baselines could be
established. However, in response to the growing demand for inner-city regeneration
and re-development of brown field sites and attendant need for information on soil
quality, a sister survey for the urban environment was established in 1993.