Assessment Of Soil Contamination Research Articles

Chemical and micronutrients assessment in Himalayan Foothill highway soil surface

This study examines the chemical properties and micronutrient concentrations of roadside soil in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, India. The primary objective is to assess soil contamination levels and their implications for urban ecosystem services. Soil samples from 13 locations were systematically collected, processed, and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results indicated average concentrations of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Ni at 9.94, 3.28, 24.32, 17.35, and 0.28 mg/kg, respectively. Significant variations in soil chemical properties and micronutrient levels (p < 0.05) were observed across different sites, excluding phosphate levels. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted environmental management strategies to mitigate soil contamination and preserve vital ecosystem services in urbanized regions. The data provided can guide administrators in developing policies that promote sustainable development and environmental resilience.

Assessing soil contamination by potentially toxic elements in artisanal and small-scale gold mining sites of the Adamawa Region, Cameroon

Gold mining is acknowledged as a principal source of environmental contamination, primarily due to the release of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) through tailings dispersion into adjacent soils. Such contamination leads to land degradation, pollution, biodiversity loss and soil contamination, and subsequently impacts the food chain, human health and soil ecosystems. This study evaluates the extent of PTE contamination in soils at artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sites within the Meiganga area of the Adamawa-Yade Domain, Cameroon. ASGM extraction processes from quartz veins in this area involve the removal of topsoil to access the ore. Comparative analysis of soil samples from three profiles within the mining zone were conducted to determine contamination levels using pollution indices: enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, contamination factor and pollution load index. Results indicate higher concentrations of PTEs in soils from the mining area compared to the control profile, with notable contamination in the bottom slope profiles and B horizons, reflecting considerable metal accumulation. The contamination levels of PTEs substantially exceed background levels in the upper continental crust. The study attributes the elevated concentrations of PTEs not only to local mineralization but also to anthropic activities, particularly ASGM, which contributes to their enrichment, distribution and mobility. This pronounced contamination necessitates immediate intervention, advocating for pollution-control measures to address potential ecosystem and human health risks. It highlights the environmental toll of ASGM and underscores the imperative for sustainable mining practices and effective soil remediation techniques, including phytoremediation and soil replacement, to alleviate the adverse effects.

Assessment of Soil Contamination with Heavy Metals and Arsenic in the City of Komsomolsk-on-Amure

Research and assessment of soil contamination with heavy metals and arsenic in Komsomolsk-on-Amur have been carried out. High levels of soil contamination with heavy metals have been found — toxicants of hazard classes 1 and 2, among which the largest participation of zinc, lead, copper and cadmium has been recorded. It has been noted that the high content of arsenic in soils may be due to both technogenic influence and natural features of the area under study. A comparison has been made of the contents of heavy metals and arsenic in the soils of the city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur with the local natural background and technogenic background concentrations of other industrial cities in Russia and China. Two main technogenic geochemical anomalies (zones of increased pollution levels) associated with the main industrial hubs of the city have been identified.

Assessment of Metal Contamination in Soil Adjacent to Mining Activities Using Some Indices

ABSTRACT A thorough assessment of soil contamination with metals allows us to know the ecological and public health risks it poses. In this study, we address the use of mathematical indices derived from the total metal concentration in soil and rock. Soil and rock samples were collected from a total of 19 sites near tailing heaps. Mine tailings were sampled, and total metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and contamination indices were calculated. The results revealed high metal concentrations in mine tailing (4841, 1488, and 82 mg/kg Zn, Pb, and Cd, respectively) and soils (4539 mg/kg Pb, 6190 mg/kg Zn, and 48 mg/kg Cd, respectively), while rock had a low metal content, consistent with literature reports. The indices indicated various proportions of samples with different degrees of contamination. Individual indices (EF, Igeo, and CF) showed the highest levels of Pb, Zn, and Cu contamination, while overall indices (Cdeg, PLI, and MCI) indicated a higher proportion of samples with moderate contamination, albeit with some highly contaminated ones.

Multivariate analysis applied to X-ray fluorescence to assess soil contamination pathways: case studies of mass magnetic susceptibility in soils near abandoned coal and W/Sn mines

Determining the origin and pathways of contaminants in the natural environment is key to informing any mitigation process. The mass magnetic susceptibility of soils allows a rapid method to measure the concentration of magnetic minerals, derived from anthropogenic activities such as mining or industrial processes, i.e., smelting metals (technogenic origin), or from the local bedrock (of geogenic origin). This is especially effective when combined with rapid geochemical analyses of soils. The use of multivariate analysis (MVA) elucidates complex multiple-component relationships between soil geochemistry and magnetic susceptibility. In the case of soil mining sites, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopic data of soils contaminated by mine waste shows statistically significant relationships between magnetic susceptibility and some base metal species (e.g., Fe, Pb, Zn, etc.). Here, we show how qualitative and quantitative MVA methodologies can be used to assess soil contamination pathways using mass magnetic susceptibility and XRF spectra of soils near abandoned coal and W/Sn mines (NW Portugal). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed how the first two primary components (PC-1 + PC-2) explained 94% of the sample variability, grouped them according to their geochemistry and magnetic susceptibility in to geogenic and technogenic groups. Regression analyses showed a strong positive correlation (R2 > 0.95) between soil geochemistry and magnetic properties at the local scale. These parameters provided an insight into the multi-element variables that control magnetic susceptibility and indicated the possibility of efficient assessment of potentially contaminated sites through mass-specific soil magnetism.

A statistical approach to map saline and fluoride (F) affected areas using optical and microwave remote sensing data simulations: A case study in Palacode Taluk, Tamil Nadu, India

This research presents an approach for the indirect assessment of soil contamination by soil salinity and Fluoride (F) in varying environmental conditions, including both dry and wet seasons. The research was conducted in Dharmapuri District, utilizing Landsat 8 and Sentinel-1 data for analysis. The region exhibits a diverse soil regime, encompassing both dry-state and irrigated agriculture. The Modified Salinity Index (MSI) and Plant Senescence Reflectance Index (PSRI) were extracted from Landsat 8 imagery to assess contamination in dry conditions. Simultaneously, the Simplified Hallikainen's model and the Inverse of Dual-Polarization Soil Vegetation Index (DPSVI−1) were obtained from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to investigate contamination in wet conditions. The correlation coefficient (CC) analysis was performed between optical data simulations (MSI and PSRI) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data simulations (Simplified Hallikainen's model and DPSVI−1), yielded R2 values of 0.90 and 0.92 in the dry and wet seasons, respectively, indicating a high degree of accuracy and reliability. From the correlation coefficient (CC) analysis, approximately 23% (173 km2) of the area exhibited negative correlation was identified as F affected regions and 54% (378 km2) of the areas exhibited positive correlation was identified as saline-affected regions in dry season. Similarly, approximately 41% (288 km2) of the area was identified as F affected regions and 46% (322 km2) of the areas was identified as saline-affected regions in wet season. The findings were verified through ground measurements of soil electrical conductivity (EC) and F using a confusion matrix. The results indicate an overall accuracy of 83% and 84%, accompanied by kappa coefficient measures of 0.79 and 0.83, for salinity and F, respectively, during the dry season. Likewise, in the wet season, there is a recorded overall accuracy of 86% and 88%, with corresponding kappa coefficients of 0.81 and 0.85 for salinity and F, respectively. This implies that the proposed methodology has a higher potential for mapping saline and F-affected areas in both wet and dry conditions. Hence, the methodology outlined in this study provides crucial information for local authorities, farmers, and policymakers, enabling informed decision-making and proactive measures.

Geospatial evaluation and bio-remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils in arid zones

Introduction: Soil pollution directly impacts food quality and the lives of both humans and animals. The concentration of heavy metals in Egypt’s drain-side soils is rising, which is detrimental to the quality of the soil and crops. The key to reducing the detrimental effects on the ecosystem is having accurate maps of the spatial distribution of heavy metals and the subsequent use of environmentally sustainable remediation approaches. The objective of this work is to assess soil contamination utilizing spatial mapping of heavy metals, determine contamination levels using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and calculate both the contamination severity and the potential for bioremediation in the soils surrounding the main drain of Bahr El-Baqar. Furthermore, evaluating the capacity of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and “Actinomycetes) to degrade heavy elements in the soil.Methodology: 146 soil sample locations were randomly selected near the Bahr El-Baqar drain to examine the degree of soil pollution Ordinary Kriging (OK), method was used to map and analyze the spatial distribution of soil contamination by seven heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, and Ni). Modified contamination degree (mCd) and PCA were used to assess the research area’s soil pollution levels. The process involved isolating, identifying, and classifying the microorganisms present in the soil of the study area. The study findings showed that variography suggested the Stable model effectively matched pH, SOM, and Cd values. Furthermore, the exponential model proved suitable for predicting Fe, Pb and Ni, while the spherical model was appropriate for Ni, Cr, and Zn.Results: The study revealed three levels of contamination, with an extremely high degree (EHDC) affecting approximately 97.49% of the area. The EHDC exhibited average concentrations of heavy metals: 79.23 ± 17.81 for Cr, 20,014.08 ± 4545.91 for Fe, 201.31 ± 112.97 for Zn, 1.33 ± 1.37 for Cd, 40.96 ± 26.36 for Pb, 211.47 ± 13.96 for As, and 46.15 ± 9.72 for Ni. Isolation and identification of microorganisms showed a significant influence on the breakdown of both organic and inorganic pollutants in the environment. The study demonstrated exceptionally high removal efficiency for As and Cr, with a removal efficiency reached 100%, achieved by Rhizopus oryzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus thuringiensis.Conclusion: This study has designated management zones for soil contamination by mapping soil pollutants, geo-identified them, and found potential microorganisms that could significantly reduce soil pollution levels.

Recycling composted human feces as biofertilizer for crop production: Assessment of soil and lettuce plant tissue contamination by Escherichia coli and human adenovirus

Using waste from sewage systems, particularly human excreta, could save resources and increase soil fertility, contributing to nutrient management. However, because of the pathogenic content in human feces, this resource can pose health risks to farmers and consumers. Therefore, this work analyzed the behavior of the microorganisms: Escherichia coli ATCC13706 and human adenovirus (HAdV-2) in the soil and the internal part of the plant tissue during the vegetative stage after applying spiked composted human feces as biofertilizer. In a greenhouse, we simulated the application of the biofertilizer in lettuce cultivation by spiking three concentrations of E. coli (6.58, 7.31, and 8.01 log10 CFU.g−1) and HAdV-2 (3.81, 3.97, and 5.92 log10 PFU.g−1). As a result, we achieved faster decay in soil at higher concentrations of E. coli. We estimated linear decay rates of −0.07279, −0.09092, and −0.115 days, corresponding to T90s of 13.7, 11.0, and 8.6 days from higher to smaller concentrations of E. coli, respectively. The estimated periods for the inactivation of 4 logarithmic units of E. coli bacteria in soil are longer than the cultivation period of lettuce for all concentrations studied. Concerning the bacterial contamination in plants, we found E. coli in the internal part of the leaves at the highest concentration tested during the first three weeks of the experiment. Furthermore, HAdV-2 was found in roots at a stable concentration of 2–2.3 log10 PFU.g−1 in five of the six samples analyzed. Therefore, bacterial infection could pose a risk, even if fresh greens are washed before consumption, especially for short-term cultures. Regarding viral infection, a positive result in the roots after disinfection may pose a risk to root and tubercule vegetables. These discoveries highlight the importance of conducting comprehensive evaluations of hygiene practices in incorporating organic amendments in crops, explicitly aiming to minimize the risk of post-contamination.

Human and Ecological Risk Assessment of Soil and Plants Metal Contamination in a Tropical Municipal Solid Waste Dumping Site

ABSTRACT The growing open waste dumpsite contributes to heavy metal leaching, harming public health and ecosystem services. Hence, the study’s novelty lies in its integrated assessment of heavy metal concentration (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soil and plants, incorporating risk assessment using both single and combined indexes in the largest active waste dumpsite in Kelantan, Malaysia. Heavy metal in soil samples Cu (164.896 ± 205.096), Pb (122.177 ± 93.309), and Cr (32.74 ± 26.569) were recorded to exceed the standards, while in the studied plants (castor bean, papaya, pea eggplant, and water spinach), Pb concentrations in all plant parts have surpassed the Malaysia Food Regulation (1985) and FAO/WHO guidelines (2016). Translocation factor (TF) in Cu, Cr, and Pb in water spinach and Cr, Cu, and Cd in pea eggplant have TF > 1. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) was < 1 in pea eggplant and water spinach except for Pb in pea eggplant. Correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between heavy metals in the soil while contrasts in the plants. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) reveals that the soil waste dumpsite is contaminated with heavy metals. The hazard index (HI) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values of heavy metals on the soil surface had negligible non-cancer risks posed to adults and indicate that soil ingestion and dermal absorption were the two primary carcinogenic risk exposure routes. These findings implied that Beris Lalang waste dumpsite is a potential source of toxic pollutants to the environment and the local population. It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and design an implementation plan for leachate treatment plant. Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of the specific contaminants present in the leachate and their potential impacts on the environment should be conducted to inform targeted and effective treatment strategies.

Rapid assessment of soil contamination by potentially toxic metals in the green spaces of Moscow megalopolis using the portable X-ray analyzer

Rapid assessment of soil contamination by potentially toxic metals in the green spaces of Moscow megalopolis using the portable X-ray analyzer

Green solution to riparian pollution: Populus alba L. potential for phytoremediation and bioindication of PTEs along the Sava river

This study addresses the potential of Populus alba L. for bioindication and phytoremediation of the contaminated lower part of the Sava River. The main objectives are to assess soil contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs: As, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Li, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn), evaluate their availability, and assess the phytoremediation and bioindication potential of Populus alba. Quantification of the PTE contents was performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), while bioindication and phytoremediation potential were evaluated using accumulation indices. The study revealed phytotoxic contents of Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in the riparian soils of the lower Sava River. The percentage of available Cd was high, but due to its low total content, its phytotoxic potential is limited. According the metal accumulation index, Populus alba exhibits significant potential to accumulate the PTEs studied (with accumulated toxic contents of B, Cr, Li, Sr, and Zn). The ability of Populus alba to accumulate and bioindicate Cd, Cr, and Ni is promising, as is its ability to potentially remediate B, Cd, and Zn. Copper deficiency in leaves resulted in a reduction in photosynthetic performance, but without visible morphological symptoms. The reduced photosynthetic capacity serves as an adaptive strategy for this species in response to toxic levels of PTEs. Since Populus alba is widely distributed in European riparian forests, it is a good candidate to address soil contamination through phytoremediation and bioindication techniques.

Determination of Soil Contamination at the Wildland-Urban Interface after the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado, USA.

Wildfires at the wildland-urban interface (WUI) are increasingly common. The impacts of such events are likely distinct from those that occur strictly in wildland areas, as we would expect an elevated likelihood of soil contamination due to the combustion of anthropogenic materials. We evaluated the impacts of a wildfire at the WUI on soil contamination, sampling soils from residential and nonresidential areas located inside and outside the perimeter of the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado, USA. We found that fire-affected residential properties had elevated concentrations of some heavy metals (including Zn, Cu, Cr, and Pb), but the concentrations were still below levels of likely concern, and we observed no corresponding increases in concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The postfire increases in metal concentrations were not generally observed in the nonresidential soils, highlighting the importance of combustion of anthropogenic materials for potential soil contamination from wildfires at the WUI. While soil contamination from the 2021 Marshall Fire was lower than expected, and likely below the threshold of concern for human health, our study highlights some of the challenges that need to be considered when assessing soil contamination after such fires.

Assessment of Soil Contamination by Mining Discharges in the Essouk River (Northeast Algeria)

Assessment of Soil Contamination by Mining Discharges in the Essouk River (Northeast Algeria)

Soil Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment of Different Types of Lithuanian Shooting Ranges

ABSTRACT Contamination at shooting ranges is a growing concern due to the accumulation of potentially toxic elements in the soil. The aim of the study was to determine the level of soil contamination in different types of Lithuanian shooting ranges (clay-target, practical, small-bore) and assess the potential ecological risks. Soil samples were taken in two soil layer depths (0–10 cm and 10–30 cm) and locations (range floor and berm/target line) of different types of shooting ranges. The soils of the practical and small-bore shooting ranges were neutral, clay target – slightly alkaline. The soil of the clay-target firing range floor had a significantly lower organic matter, than small-bore and practical firing ranges. Lead contamination was significantly higher in the floor and berm surface soil and subsoil (about 1000 mg kg−1 and 360–527 mg kg−1, respectively) of the practice range compared to the others and controls. The Cd concentrations in the surface soil of the practical range and the small-bore firing ranges and in the soil of the berm were considerably higher than in the soil of the clay target. There was a significant negative correlation between soil pH and Pb and Cd concentrations. Pb content was positively correlated with organic matter content. The soils of the practical range floor and berm indicated high ecological risk. The research showed that heavy metal contamination is specific in different types of shooting ranges, therefore various management practices should be applied to prevent pollution in particular shooting range.

Soil Contamination Assessment at Pasir Gudang Industrial Area

The problem of soil contamination around industrial areas in recent years might be due to arbitrary industrialization, unproper irrigation practices, modern industrialization practices, and the indiscriminate use of fertilizer and pesticides that contribute to environmental degradation. Such anthropogenic activity always results in depletion of soil and water quality, such as deterioration of soil quality and pollution of soil and surface water, which result in a variety of health hazards. Therefore, there is a need to study a comprehensive approach to land quality issues in industrial areas. In this study, contamination indices and soil quality guidelines were used to evaluate the contamination status of soils around the Pasir Gudang industrial area. Soil samples were collected at the selected locations near industrial, riverside, residential, and educational areas. The data generated in the current study will be very useful for safe monitoring of the area by authorities and planners in land resource management.

Assessment of soil contamination by heavy metals in the vicinity of the Sahiwal coal power plant, Pakistan, employing an innovative statistical analysis approach

ABSTRACT Pollution from heavy metals has become a major issue globally. Human activities could result in lower environmental quality and higher concentration of heavy metals in the soil. The establishment of coal power plants causes a significant threat to the Environment, soil and people who consume the food crops cultivated in that area. In this study, the concentration of some heavy metals like Calcium (Ca), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), and Magnesium (Mg) has been determined by utilising an Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and 10 soil samples were collected in nearby agricultural soil in the vicinity of coal power plant in Sahiwal, Pakistan during 2021–22 for this purpose. The samples for AAS were prepared via the Wet Digestion Method (WDM). The concentrations of Ca, Co, Cd, Cr, Pb and Mg that have been found are 1.7096 ± 1.4623 mg/kg, 0.0141 ± 0.0664 mg/kg, 0.1413 ± 0.3328 mg/kg, 0.2057 ± 0.3214 mg/kg, 0.1114 ± 0.07316 mg/kg and 0.8951 ± 0.4672 mg/kg, respectively. The results indicate that none of the metals were detected to be above the authorised limits, making the soil appropriate for agricultural purposes. It has been concluded that there are no detectable adverse effects due to the operation of coal power plants in terms of the analysed concentration of heavy metals. Moreover, a statistical Neutrosophic approach has been applied to the specific problem to check the reliability and variation in the concentration of heavy metals. The results come up with extensive and clear information about the particular issue. This study delivers a scientific basis for taking proper measures and managing soil pollution in incoming future in the areas near coal power plants.

Assessment of soil contamination of Ukraine with heavy metals during the war

Assessment of soil contamination of Ukraine with heavy metals during the war

Assessment of degradation transformations of agricultural lands

The use of soil for the production of crop products leads to changes in the natural properties of soils and their natural state. When various situations arise, soil properties can change in different forms and with unequal degrees of severity; a process that worsens quantitative and qualitative properties is defined as soil degradation. The significant role of soil in people’s lives should serve as an incentive for its rational use and to prevent the occurrence of degradation transformations leading to a decrease in its environmental and production functions. The purpose of the research is to assess soil contamination of agricultural lands in the Samara region with insecto-acaricides and herbicides. Objectives: - to establish the average and maximum content of residual quantities of pesticides in soils; - determine the area of contamination with residual quantities of pesticides. The research was carried out in 7 districts (Bezenchuksky, Syzransky, Stavropolsky, Volzhsky, Privolzhsky, Bolshechernigovsky, Elkhovsky) of the Samara region in 2020-2022. To assess soil contamination with residual amounts of pesticides, soil samples were taken in spring and autumn to the depth of the arable layer. In selected soil samples, the residual amount of insectoacaricides (DDT, HCH, HCB, metaphos) and herbicides (prometrin, atrazine, simazine, 2.4-D, trifluralin, THAN, dalapon) was determined. The analysis of contamination of agricultural land in the study region showed that the content of controlled pesticides in soils depended on both the period of soil sampling and the year of research.

Hazard Assessment of Soil Contamination resulting from Solid Waste Trench Landfill Systems

Contamination due to the inadequate disposal of solid waste can cause irreversible environmental damage and public health risks. In the state of São Paulo (Brazil), legislation allows small municipalities to license landfills adopting the trench model. In most cases, it is not mandatory to carry out environmental protection works such as waterproof lining and the drainage of leachate and gases. The aim of this research was to evaluate soil contamination hazards resulting from Solid Waste Trench Landfill Systems (SWTLS). An consultation with experts was carried out in which a Hazard Level (HL) score was applied that considered factors such as geology, pedology, geomorphology, hydrography, groundwater, environmental protection, land use, composition and gravimetric demographic densities. A resource management unit, UGRHI 16 - Tietê Batalha Hydrographic Basin, was defined as the study area, where hazard level was identified to the trench landfill. It was also found that all the municipalities studied are exempt from installing linings in their landfills, in accordance with Brazilian standards, as water surpluses, analyzed in terms of local rainfall, comply with the limits established by regulation. However, the evaluation carried out as part of the present research considered other important factors, through which the existence of risks at different levels for all the municipalities evaluated in relation to the adoption of small SWTLS was noted. The study concluded that the factors adopted for the research are relevant to decision making in terms of system design and the definition of criteria regarding the need for protective lining.

The application of the geo-accumulation index and geostatistical methods to the assessment of forest soil contamination with heavy metals in the Babia Góra National Park (Poland)

The application of the geo-accumulation index and geostatistical methods to the assessment of forest soil contamination with heavy metals in the Babia Góra National Park (Poland)