Spatial Distribution and Baseline Concentration of Heavy Metals in Swell–Shrink Soils of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Defining and understanding the current abundance and spatial distribution of metals in soils are essential and reliable information on this aspect are needed for proper legislation. To estimate the baseline concentrations and spatial distribution of heavy metals (HMs) in Swell–shrink soils Sehore and Vidisha districts, 100 surface soil samples (0–20 cm) were randomly collected across the two districts and their physico-chemical properties and total HM contents were analysed. Spatial distribution maps of HMs were prepared and influence of soil parameters on HMs was studied. Most of the soils in the region had neutral to alkaline pH (6.58–8.60), non saline (EC 0.11–1.3 dS/m), medium organic carbon (0.6%), CaCO3 0.2–11.5% and clay >40%. The baseline concentrations of HMs (mg kg−1) were Cu, 178.1; Cd, 0.7; Pb, 24.4; Cr, 116.9; Ni, 81.8; and Zn, 85.2; respectively. The concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn in all the samples were within the safe range but the concentrations of Cr, Cu and Ni were a little high.