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<p>This study investigates the vertical distribution and potential sources of rare earth elements and actinides (U, Th) in Moscow’s urban soils, providing critical insights into pedogenic processes and anthropogenic influences. Soil samples from 15 recreational zones were collected at two depths (0–5&#xa0;cm and 5–20&#xa0;cm) and analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Results indicate that content of La, Ce, Eu, Tb, Dy, and Yb align with global background levels, while Nd and Sm approach the upper natural range. Minimal vertical variability (&lt; 5%) suggests stable pedogenic conditions and negligible anthropogenic influence. Uranium (1.98–2.05&#xa0;ppm) slightly exceeds typical crustal abundances, likely from historical coal combustion, but Th (7.63–7.8&#xa0;ppm) and U/Th ratios (0.26–0.27) reflect geogenic origins. Strong correlations between Th and light REEs (La, Ce, Nd) confirm mineralogical control, while U’s redox sensitivity warrants monitoring in alkaline urban environments. Enrichment factors (EFs &lt; 1.2) and cluster analysis further support natural sourcing. Unlike heavily industrialized cities, Moscow’s soils retain near-pristine geochemical signatures, posing&#xa0;low immediate ecological or health risks. However, the study highlights the need for&#xa0;long-term U monitoring&#xa0;due to its mobility potential. These findings establish a critical&#xa0;baseline for urban soil management&#xa0;and emphasize the importance of distinguishing natural variability from anthropogenic inputs in environmental assessments.</p>

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Vertical distribution of rare earth elements, uranium, and thorium in Moscow’s urban soil profiles: implications for pedogenic processes and environmental monitoring

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月19日

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  • Mohamed M. Ghoneim,
  • Inga Zinicovscaia,
  • Nikita Yushin,
  • Omari Chaligava,
  • Dmitrii Grozdov,
  • Konstantin Vergel

摘要

This study investigates the vertical distribution and potential sources of rare earth elements and actinides (U, Th) in Moscow’s urban soils, providing critical insights into pedogenic processes and anthropogenic influences. Soil samples from 15 recreational zones were collected at two depths (0–5 cm and 5–20 cm) and analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Results indicate that content of La, Ce, Eu, Tb, Dy, and Yb align with global background levels, while Nd and Sm approach the upper natural range. Minimal vertical variability (< 5%) suggests stable pedogenic conditions and negligible anthropogenic influence. Uranium (1.98–2.05 ppm) slightly exceeds typical crustal abundances, likely from historical coal combustion, but Th (7.63–7.8 ppm) and U/Th ratios (0.26–0.27) reflect geogenic origins. Strong correlations between Th and light REEs (La, Ce, Nd) confirm mineralogical control, while U’s redox sensitivity warrants monitoring in alkaline urban environments. Enrichment factors (EFs < 1.2) and cluster analysis further support natural sourcing. Unlike heavily industrialized cities, Moscow’s soils retain near-pristine geochemical signatures, posing low immediate ecological or health risks. However, the study highlights the need for long-term U monitoring due to its mobility potential. These findings establish a critical baseline for urban soil management and emphasize the importance of distinguishing natural variability from anthropogenic inputs in environmental assessments.