Geochemical and Environmental Evaluation of the Copper Element in the Surface Soil and Its Health Effects in Selected Areas of Kirkuk Governorate

Abstract

To assess the extent of copper contamination in the surface soil and its effects on human health in selected areas of Kirkuk Governorate, several geochemical analyzes and environmental assessments were performed. Twenty-two (22) surface soil samples were collected and analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The results showed that the average concentration of copper in the study area was (42.64 ppm), and its highest value was in the (H19) site represented in the Benji Ali area (129.7 ppm). In (H11) site, with a concentration of (88.8 ppm), which represents an industrial neighborhood area, and the reason is due to it being a polluted industrial area, which is higher than the permissible natural values, amounting to (20 ppm). In the soil, the element copper, which indicates a potential danger to the environment, as well as the average values of the soil accumulation index showed that it is unpolluted to medium pollution, while the value of the average enrichment factor was medium enrichment, and also the average of the environmental hazard index showed potential moderate environmental risks, and it was found Exposure through inhalation (CDIinh) is more effective in adults and children with copper than through skin contact (CDIdermal) and ingestion (CDIing). And it was found that the values (HI) are greater than one for the studied copper element for both children and adults, which indicates The presence of carcinogenic health risks of the copper element on humans in the study area, and it was found that children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of copper because they are still developing.