Evaluation of soils of the roadside territory area of the federal highway on the maintenance of heavy metals, arsenic and fluoride ions

Abstract

Introduction. A hygienic assessment of the fluoride ions, heavy metals (HM) and arsenic content in the soils of the roadside area of the Ryazan-Volgograd highway was carried out. Materials and methods. The assessment was obased on the results of soil sampling from 11 sites over the Ryazan-Volgograd highway along its entire length at distances of 20 and 50 m from the roadbed. To assess the impact of vehicles on roadside soil pollution and exclude industrial sources of pollution, soil samples were taken outside settlements and industrial zones of cities. Results. The content of water-soluble fluorine in the studied soils was found to vary in the range significantly lower than the values of the maximum permissible concentration. With distance from the highway, the concentration of fluorine in the soil decreases, indicates its aerogenic origin. According to sanitary standards, its content corresponds to the permissible level. The accumulation index of HM and arsenic in the soil of the roadside area increases in the order: As → Ni → Zn →Pb → Cu. Cu has the maximum accumulation index, which varies from 1.24 to 4.34, depending on the soil types of the roadside territory. The accumulation of such pollutants as Pb, Zn was noted in the roadside areas represented by southern chernozems and dark chestnut residual calcareous soil types. The highest hazard coefficients are related to As on southern chernozems; Cu and Ni - on gray forest soils of the roadside territory of the federal highway. Limitations. The limitations of the study are associated with one-time sampling and a small number of reference sites, which limits the possibilities of a broader interpretation of the data obtained to determine trends in soil pollution of roadside areas. Conclusion. With the same technogenic load on the roadside area caused by the movement of passing motor vehicles, the self-cleaning ability of different soil types can differ significantly. On those parts of the roadside area where heavy metals are accumulating, it is necessary to organize constant environmental and hygienic monitoring and carry out measures for soil remediation.