Victorian Background Soil Survey and Soil Explorer Web Application
Naturally enriched background concentrations of metals have been reported in soils in Victoria. Where natural enrichment is not accurately distinguished from pollution, soils can be inappropriately categorised as "contaminated waste", resulting in unnecessary disposal to landfills.
The research was undertaken involved:
- Collection and analysis of background soil samples
- Collation of audit report data
- Development of a background soil database
- Mapping of mental concentrations
- Analysis of geochemical correlations between elements
- Recommendation of methods for distinguishing natural enrichment from contamination
- Presentation of the results
) and an interactive map titled “Soil Explorer” were developed to present and share the results of a Background Soil Survey for Victorian soils.https://soilexplorer.eres.rmit.edu.au/soil-explorer/A website “The Victorian Background Soil Database” (
The results of this research were published in six peer reviewed journal articles (cited on the website). The knowledge highlights for this project are summarised below
The Victorian Background Soil Survey Explorer web application was awarded the 2019 ALGA Annual Industry Excellence Awards, Award No: 6 - Innovation or Research that Advances the Land & Groundwater Industry. Hannah Mikkonen accepted the award on behalf of RMIT University, CDM Smith, ACLCA & EPA Victoria.