Soil Contamination Level in Cauvery Delta

Region through Machine learning and GIS

Techniques

Abstract— In order to accurately determine the Spatial Variation of Soil Sample in pH, Electrical Conductivity, Micro
Nutrients and Macro Nutrients in Agriculture land, Urban Area, Industrial Area and River beds field in the Cauvery Delta
Region. GIS data of the soil samples will be taken as an input to find the spatial distribution map for the soil parameter using
sensors, meters and historical data. the level of soil contamination in the study area, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples
were collected from 33 locations at 0.3m depths for the analysis of chemical properties of soil such as Macro-nutrient, Micro-
nutrient, pH, Electrical conductivity, The geo co-ordinates of sampling location were obtained using GPS. Based on the
concentration of chemical constituents present in the soil in all the locations, a continuous surface has been created by various
spatial interpolation techniques such as Inverse Distance Weighted using GIS technology. By cross validation technique the
best interpolation techniques for various chemical parameters were identified. The analysis classifications of the amount of the
chemicals or the heavy metals within the soil are determined through the fuzzy logic membership function. This map can be
used to classify the study area as very high, high, moderate, low and very low contaminated soil. Thus the GIS approach of
analysing soil contamination provides permanent base for monitoring contaminated sites and also to understand the level and
extent of contamination. The classification of the overall soil contamination levels of the Cauvery delta region will be given as
the detailed & dispersed outcome as a statistical analysis report in the form of the Spatial Variation maps.

Key Words— Spatial variation, Soil Contamination, GIS, CDZ, Fuzzy logic, Cauvery Delta Region

1 INTRODUCTION
In developing countries like India, rapid industrialization results in voluminous production of the waste
and thereby scarcity of land for safe disposal of hazardous waste increases. The waste may be solid or
liquid. The liquid waste and leachates generated from the solid waste percolate into the ground and
causing problem like ground water contamination, degradation of vegetation, and modification of soil
properties. Contamination of soil causes failure of foundations, land subsidence, landslides, and
pollution of ground water etc. [7] .In Trichy, many tannery industries functioning from the Area. The
liquid and solid wastes coming out from these industries not only contaminate the groundwater but
also affect the soil behavior. [8]. to assess the level of contamination of the whole area, it is essential to
know the contamination characteristics of soil spatially in and around. Contamination characteristics of
soil can be inferred from the physical, chemical characteristics properties. Manual interpolation and
model generations are difficult and tedious process. In such cases, GIS approach can be effectively used.
Due to the rapid growth and wider application of GIS in various field [6].it is proposed to use this
technology in soil contamination analysis and also this study aims that the analysis of chemical
properties soil, creating continuous surface using various spatial interpolation techniques, identifying
the best interpolation technique and characterization of study area through contamination map.
A Geographical Information System (GIS) is used to capture, store, manipulate, analyses,
manage and present spatial or geographic data. The spatial data holds the location tag as the primary
tuple in the database. The significant problem will arise while dealing with large data bases over the
long period of observation. During the last decade, Spatial Variation Map has been interpolation to Soil
parameters is related to GIS. The river Cauvery plays a major role in the farming and provides major
crop productivity within Tamilnadu. The environmental river water gets polluted by various means
such as heavy metals ,solid wastage , industrial waste and etc which adversely affect the water. The
polluted water in turn affects the soil to get contaminated. The contaminated soils and pose a sever
threat to crop health and affect the productivity of the crops growth in Cauvery delta regions. When the
contamination levels of the particular region soil is determined, then as a precaution measure of rapid
and comprehensive solution can be taken to improve the soil health such that it can be suitable for the
crop productivity. This precautions/prediction of the soil contamination levels are modelled and made
available in the GIS data sets for the Cauvery delta region.

2 LITERATURE SURVEY
This study determines the influence of the different soil components and of the cation exchange capacity
on the adsorption and retention of different heavy metals: cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead
and zinc [3] the application of different classification methods on real-world spatial datasets. We study
how factors such as distribution of the training data, neighbourhood relationships and geometry of the
original map can affect the accuracy of the generated map. Consequently, we report on measurements
comparing the accuracy of the investigated methods on different datasets. Our experimental setup
utilizes a spatial database system to compare the regions of the approximate map with those of the
original accurate map. [9] to evaluate risk elements and their spatial distribution in agricultural fields
south of Tehran, statistics, geo statistics and geographic information system (GIS) were used. The
content of Hg, As, Pb, Mo, and be were determined in 106 samples. The results showed that primary
inputs of as and Hg were due to anthropogenic sources, while Pb, Mo and be were associated with
pedogenic and anthropogenic factors. Ordinary kriging was carried out to map the spatial patterns of
risk elements and disjunctive kriging was used to quantify the probability of risk elements
concentrations higher than their guide value. The results show that As, Hg, Mo and be exhibit pollution
risk in the study area [10]. Multi-criteria spatial modelling often requires a common scale of values for
diverse and dissimilar inputs to create an integrated analysis. Weighted overlay function is most
commonly used for site suitability analysis which identifies the most preferred locations for a specific
phenomenon. However, weighted overlay function gives inconsistent and erroneous results for highly
dissimilar inputs as it assumes that most favorable factors result in the higher values of raster, while
identifying the best sites. This paper conveys the effectiveness of fuzzy overlay function for multi-
criteria spatial modeling. It is based on the principle of fuzzy logic theory which defines membership
using Gaussian function on each of the input raster instead of giving individual rank to them like in
weighted overlay function [11]. The method of multiple linear regression modeling combined with the
spatial analysis is adopted to recognize the driving factors of soil Hg contamination in each subclass
agricultural land. Consequently, corresponding spatial distribution maps of estimated soil Hg
concentrations in vegetable field and paddy field are plotted. Results demonstrate greater mean soil Hg
concentrations in vegetable field and paddy field over orchard field, but both of them are lower than
the maximum permissible concentration in the Chinese Environmental Quality Standard for
agricultural soils. In vegetable field, soil Hg concentrations are closely interrelated with chimneys which
have the least distances to their around soil samples. In paddy field, both the soil sampling slopes and
distances from soil samples to the nearest roads are the dominant driving factors of soil Hg
concentration variance. [12]. Spatial (Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis) MCDA is a map overlay process
where a set of layers are combined and produce a decision map. Spatial MCDA is also popular as
“Overlay Analysis”. This poster focuses on the application of a GIS-based Spatial MCDA aiming at
optimal site selection for the development of an agro-tourist infrastructure. Crisp and fuzzy MCDA
methods are applied under the framework of a Geographic Information System [13].As demonstrated
in this document, the numbering for sections upper case Arabic numerals, then upper case Arabic
numerals, separated by periods. Initial paragraphs after the section title are not indented. Only the
initial, introductory paragraph has a drop cap.

3 STUDY AREA
The study area of Thiruchirappalli and Thanjavur details is given below the Table No 1.
TABLE 1
STUDY AREA TIRUCHURAPPALLI&THANJAVUR
 State Tamil Nadu

(Thiruchirappalli&Thanjavur District )
Study Area Thuraiyur, Lalgudi, Musri, Tiruchirappalli,
(8 Taluks) Thottiyam,
Manachanallur,ThiruverumpurSrirangam and
Thiruvaiyaru
Climate sub-tropical climate

Soil Type Loamy, Clayey and sandy alluvial

Rain Fall Annual Rain fall 850 mm
Temp Min 17°C Max 41°C
Population According to 2011 census, Tiruchirappalli and
Thiruvaiyaru district had a population
of 2,722,290 with a sex-ratio of 1,013 females for
every 1,000 males.
Total Area 2892 Sq.Km

4 MATERIAL & METHODS - DATA CAPTURING

The Palin test SKW 500 Complete Soil Kit is a professional soil management laboratory packaged within a
waterproof robust case for field use. Based on simplified and rapid soil test methods, the SKW 500 uses a
number of analytical techniques to provide critical information for macronutrients and micronutrients for
effective soil and agronomy management. The key techniques used are provided by the Soil test10 Bluetooth
photometer, Multiparameter Pocket Sensor and the Palin test Tablet Count method. The amount of the
hydrogen ion concentration and electrical conductivity in the samples were analyzed by Multiparameter
Pocket Sensor. The macro-nutrient such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium was determined by Photometer.
The micronutrients present in the samples such as Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu were estimated by atomic absorption
Photometer.The soil samples were collected to Top soil, Deeper and multiple layer sampling manually from
the specified spots using a polythene bags. The collected sand samples were off to a depth of about Top Soil
6 to 12 in. (0.15 to 0.3 m). Multilayer: 0 to12 and 12 to 24, or 0 to 6, 6 to 12 and 12 to 24 inch. Geographical
location of sampling points was recorded by Global Positioning System (GPS). Nearly 30 locations spatial
data is framed .The collected soil samples were air dried, crushed and sieved using 2 mm sieve size and
subjected to analysis.

5 Formation of Spatial Data Base

A spatial database with the Presence of Hydrogen ion, Electrical Conductivity, Micro and Macro nutrients
present in the Tiruchirappalli district were represented in Table 2.The Location place along with the their
corresponding latitude and longitude are recoded.

TABLE 2
SOIL SAMPLE COLLECTED LOCATIONS

Sriramasamudram 10.9663 78.2081

Thinnanur 11.0408 78.6072
Sirukalappur 11.0377 78.9057
Thuvakudi 10.7517 78.8208
Lalgudi 10.8657 78.8265
Kajamalai 10.7755 78.6926
Kamaraj Nagar 10.8049 78.7274
Sholanganallur 10.8135 78.6589
Ananjanur 10.8771 78.5517
Thottiyam 10.9806 78.3381
Kannakudi 10.9792 78.9709
Thiruvellarai 11.0372 78.6172
 Vitalapuram 10.8799 78.9709
Avaravelli 10.9899 78.7758
Musiri 10.953 78.4349
Pettavaithalai 10.8985 78.4828
Amoor 10.9207 78.5623
Silayathi 10.8874 78.6439
Thiruvanaikoil 11.0372 78.6172
MelaChinthamani 10.8351 78.6947
Thandalaiputhur 10.9899 78.5217
Urakkarai 11.1301 78.3995
Surampatti 11.0421 78.4131
Bharathipuram 11.0448 78.2716
Chithanatham 10.6911 78.5218
Navarlukottapattu 10.7521 78.609
Maruthinagar 10.7097 78.7202
Elandapatti 10.6886 78.7918
Kulumani 10.8437 78.6037
Mandaiyur 10.6886 78.7918
Koodacheri 11.2458 78.0024
Nallapalayam 11.2217 79.205
Orathanadu 10.6139 79.2704
Manaparai 10.5264 78.1019

6 Mapping in GIS
GIS is used to evaluate the Soil Contamination in Tiruchirappalli district. The variation of the physio-
chemical characteristics of the Soil Parameters may vary from place to place. It depends up on both the surface
characteristics. Presence of landfills, open dump, usage of Fertilizers, disposal of industrial wastes etc.,
changes the quality of Soil. The spatial distribution maps of major Soil parameters like pH, EC, N, P, K, Zn,
Mn, Cu, and Fe are prepared using spatial interpolation technique in Arc GIS software. The IDW is one of
the mostly applied and deterministic interpolation techniques in the field of soil science. The spatial variation
map for pH, Electrical Conductivity, macro nutrient, micro nutrient is shown in Figure 1to 8.
IDW estimates were made based on nearby known locations. The weights assigned to the interpolating points
are the inverse of its distance from the interpolation point. Consequently, the close points are made-up to
have more weights (so, more impact) than distant points and vice versa. Interpolation methods have been
developed based on assumption that nearby points have more correlations and similarities than distant
observations the parameters used in IDW interpolation methods for creating the prediction maps of soil. The
table 3 represents the parameter location with region that coves with Maximum and minimum range.
 Figure 1: The spatial variation map for pH Figure 2:The spatial variation map for EC

Figure 3: The spatial variation map for Nitrogen Figure 4: The spatial variation map for PO4

Figure 5: The spatial variation map for K Figure 6: The spatial variation map for Zn
 Figure 7: The spatial variation map for Cu Figure 8: The spatial variation map for Fe

6.1 Fuzzy Overlay

The Fuzzy Overlay tool allows the analysis of the possibility of a phenomenon belonging to multiple
sets in a multi criteria overlay analysis. It analyzes the relationships between the memberships of the multiple
sets. The available methods are fuzzy and, fuzzy or, fuzzy Product, fuzzy Sum, and fuzzy Gamma. Each
approach provides a different aspect of each cell's membership to the multiple input criteria.

TABLE 3
PARAMETERS RANGES
Parameters MAX (Identified Min (Identified Region)
Region )
Electrical Musiri, Ppattavaithalai,
Conductivity AmoorElanthapatti Thadalaiputhur,
chiththanatham and
mandaiyur
pH Thottiyam, Kulumani,Mandaiyur
manachanallur, ,Sriramasamudram
melachinthamani,
Musiri,
Thiruchirappalli
Nitrogen Musiri, Aravalli,
Sholanganallur, Thadalaiputhur,
Sriramasamudram chiththanatham and
amoor
Phosphorus Musiri Aravalli,
Thadalaiputhur,
chiththanatham,
lalgudiandamoor
Potassium Musiri, Kulumani, Aravalli,
and Maruthi Nagar Thadalaiputhur, Lalgudi
and Kajamalai
zinc Thottiyam, Urakarai, Pettavaithalai
Lalgudi,Elanthapatti and Kajamalai
and Thuvakudi
Manganese likeBharathipuram, Sriramasamudram,
Musiri, Amoor, Thinnanur and
Elanthapatti and Sirukalappur
Chithanatham
Copper Thuvakudi Amoor, Musiri, Aravalli,
 and Lalgudi
Iron Sriramasadram, Thottiyam ,ananjanur
Thandalaiputhur,
Aravalli, Kajamalai
and
MelaChinthamani

6.2 Fuzzy Overlay

Combines fuzzy membership rasters data together and allows the possibility of a phenomenon
belonging to multiple sets in MCDA overlay analysis. It also analyses the relations between the memberships
of the multiple sets (Raines et al., 2010).
Performs a fuzzy MCDA process based on the concept of fuzzy sets.
 Fuzzifies the criteria (layers) by using membership functions.
 Combines the fuzzified layers (fuzzy operators).
 Implements the Fuzzy Overlay Analysis algorithm.
 Classifies the alternatives-locations (fuzzy Classification).
Fuzzy Overlay method analysis is performed for the raster input of 9 parameters and it was classified
under 6 different classes .The table 4 denotes the locations that are classified under different category for
Figure 9.

TABLE 4
FUZZY OVERLAY MAP VALUES
Classes Location Indicator
colour in Map
Slightly Musiri ,Thuvagudi and Green(0.09-0.28)
Low Surampatti
Low lalgudi and Blue(0.28-0.42)
vittalapuram
Medium Sirukalappur and Rose(0.42-0.53)
mandaiyur
High Urakkarai, light Green(0.53-
Vitalapuram 0.66)
Slightly Avaravalli and Amber(0.66-0.82)
high Thiruvanaikovil
Extreme Thandalaiputhur and Red(0.82-1)
High kannagudi

Figure 9: Fuzzy Overlay Map

7 CONCLUSION
Spatial interpolation is a process of using points with known values to estimate values at other points.
Spatial Interpolation is a means of converting point data to surface data. To assess the level of contamination
in Cauvery Delta Region area the soil samples were collected in 33 locations at 0.3m depths. With the chemical
analysis data spatial models were developed by interpolation techniques. Through suitable spatial
interpolation technique the contamination is derived. The pH, EC, Sulphate, Chlorides, Chromium, TDS and
organic matter are used for assessing the level of soil contamination using interpolation techniques as IDW.
It is observed that the IDW method is the best suitable technique for all the chemical parameters, which is
found by cross validation technique. The contamination map generated in the present study clearly
represents the level and extent of soil within the study area. Soil contamination can be effectively classified
as Slightiy low, low, Medium, high, slightly high and extreme high contaminated zones. It is observed that
more than 50% of the area highly contaminated. It is hoped that the proposed contamination index model
will be a very useful tool not only to assess the level of Contamination and also monitoring the contaminated
sites.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This work was supported by NRDMS, DST Ref No: NRDMS/01/184/2016(G) and we would also like to extend
our sincere thanks the organization NRDMS.

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