Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

• Hossein Mahdiyanfar ¹
• Mirmahdi Seyedrahimi-Niaraq ²

¹ Department of Mining Engineering, University of Gonabad, Gonabad, Iran

² Faculty of Engineering, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

In this investigation, the hybrid approach of wavelet transforms and fractal method named Wavelet-Fractal model has been utilized for geochemical contamination mapping as a novel application. For this purpose, the distribution maps of pollutant elements were transformed to the position-scale domain using two-dimensional discrete wavelet transformation (2DDWT). The Symlet2 and Haar mother wavelets were applied for two-dimensional signal analysis of elemental concentrations of As, Pb, and Zn based on soil samples taken from the Irankuh mining district, Central Iran. The Symlet2 and Haar wavelet coefficients of approximate and detail components were obtained at one level frequency decomposition using 2DDWT. The wavelet coefficients of approximate component (WCAC) were modeled using a fractal method for delineating the geochemical contamination populations of toxic elements. Based on the results of wavelet-fractal models, the As, pb, and Zn were classified into three and four populations. Two areas contaminated with metals have been found in the district. These areas are within the limit of mining operations and its surroundings. The wavelet-fractal proposed model has been able to separate environmental areas contaminated with toxic metals accurately. Anomalously intense pollution has spread to one kilometer outside the mining operation limit. This dispersion in the case of Pb and Zn elements is well seen in the geochemical map prepared with the Haar class.

Keywords

• Wavelet transformation
• Symlet and Haar wavelet
• Concentration-area fractal
• Wavelet-Fractal model
• environmental pollution

Main Subjects

• Geochemistry