Cluster analysis of weekly 210Pb and 40K concentrations and cumulative meteorological effects in urban Spain (2006–2022)

This study analysed the weekly 210 Pb and 40 K concentrations from four Spanish laboratories located in urban areas recorded during the period of 2006–2022. The application of cluster analysis allowed the identification of two distinct clusters: one with lower values and the other with higher values. In the second stage, the wind and accumulated precipitation data were analysed for both clusters. The results indicated that accumulated precipitation was the main driving mechanism responsible for the observed weekly concentration patterns. The recorded precipitation in low-concentration clusters, was typically twice that of high-concentration weeks. • Two major patterns of radionuclide concentrations were detected in Spain. • Low joint concentrations were associated with high precipitation. • Higher concentrations were associated with low precipitation. • Precipitation was found to be the main meteorological explanatory mechanism. • The local wind did not play any role in the observed concentrations.