García Lorenzo, María de la LuzPérez Sirvent, CarmenMartínez Sánchez, María JoséMolina Ruiz, JoséTudela Serrano, María Luz2023-06-202023-06-2020120167-636910.1007/s10661-011-2478-8https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/43336The distribution of trace elements throughout mining areas is an important issue because abandoned tailings could be a major source of environmental pollution. In order to analyze the spatial variation of trace elements in a zone where mining activities took place and to identify pollution sources in the study area, a three-step study was carried out at a regional, at a local, and a detailed scale. In addition, a conceptual model of trace elements dispersion was established and confirmed by a geographic information system. The results obtained allowed to establish points affected by primary, secondary, and tertiary contamination, according to their proximity to contamination sources and as a function of attenuation processes which could take place in the studied area.engjournal articlehttps://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-011-2478-8restricted access553MappingTrace elementsSpatial distributionSoil contaminationMining activitiesGIS.Mineralogía (Geología)2506.11 Mineralogía