Spatial Distribution of some Important Heavy Metals in the Soils South of Manzala Lake in Bahr El-Baqar Region, Egypt

Abstract

The present work attempts to establish the distribution of Iron, Copper, Cobalt, Nickel, Zinc, Lead, Cadmium and Chromium in the soils of Bahr EL-Baqar Region. Where, eight soil samples were collected from Bahr EL-Baqar Region, South of EL-Manzala Lake. Elements (Metals) concentrations in the soils were varied between 11987.67-33567.43; 62.22-270.20 ; 74.6-106.44 ; 54.29-80.30; 95.13-211.22 ; 33.73-54.40; 12.22-19.39; and 96.76-144.55 mg/kg for Fe, Cu, Co Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr respectively. The abundance of heavy metals measured in these soils decreases as follows: Fe > Zn > Cr > Cu > Co > Ni > Pb > Cd. The heavy metals concentrations of Fe, Cu , Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr from the soil samples of Bahr EL-Baqar region compared with Canadian soil quality guidelines (CSQG) of Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.(CCME), (2007) and European Union Standards (EU,2002) as well as with average upper earth crust of Wedepohl (1995). Another assessment method was applied using certain indices to assess the environmental impacts of the heavy metal pollution of the soils of Bahr EL-Baqar Region. These indices include the Enrichment Factor, Contamination Factor, Pollution Load Index and Degree of Contamination. The most important heavy metals with regards to potential hazards in studied soils are Cu, Pb and Cd. Keywords : Bahr EL-Baqar – Heavy Metals – Pollution - Indices Calculations – Guidelines