Using Spatial Analysis Methods to Evaluate the Soil Contamination of Baghdad City, Iraq

Abstract

The current study aims to identify soil pollutants from heavy metals The study utilized 40 topsoil (5 cm) samples, which adapted and divided into seven regions lies in Baghdad governorate, included (Al-Husainya,(Hs) Al-Doura (Do), Sharie Al-Matar (SM), Al-Waziria (Wz), Nharawan (Nh), Abu Ghraib (Abu) and Al-Mahmoodyia (Mh)). Spatial distribution maps of Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) were created for Baghdad city using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The concentrations of four heavy metals in the soil of different area of Baghdad were measured and observed using XRF instrument. The result found highest values of Pb and Zn at the middle of the Baghdad in (Wz) area and it reached to 35110 and 720 ppm respectively which exceeded allowed limits values. . While the measurements of the Mn and Ni recorded highest values in (Do) area and reached to 1020 and 170ppm respectively and was within the allowed limits of standard values of soil contamination. The prediction maps of Zn, Pb showed high accumulations in the center and western part of Baghdad city. While the maps of the elements of Mn, Ni showed low accumulations in the eastern and southern part of Baghdad. By using prediction models through which pollution levels can be determination in areas unsampled, which contributes in economic benefits, such as decrease of the required amount of samples in any project, decrease cost of analyzing and using friendly tools. The methodologies incorporated with GIS helps to give a clear picture for decision-makers to take the necessary treatments for polluted areas.