QE556 : Assessment of the Concentration and Health Risk of Potentially Toxic Elements in Agricultural Soils of the Bastam Plain (Semnan Province)
Thesis > Central Library of Shahrood University > Geosciences > MSc > 2023
Authors:
[Author], [Supervisor]
Abstarct: In order to investigate the concentration and the health risk of potentially toxic elements in the agricultural soils of Bastam Plain, 14 surface soil samples (0-20 Cm) were collected. Physico-chemical characteristics and total concentration of major and trace elements were measured using standard methods. The obtained data were interperated using single and integrated environmental indices and statistical analyses. The soils pH varies between 7.9 and 8.4. The average values of organic matter, carbonate calcium, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were 2 %, 42.5 %, and 10.37 meq/100g, respectively. The concentrations of Cr, Mo, Ni, Sr and Mn in all samples, and the concentration of As, Cd, Co, Cu and Fe in some samples were higher than the corresponding values in the World Soil Average composition, confirming the anthropogenic pollution of the studied soils. The calculation of environmental indices indicated that the studied soils are polluted with toxic elements, especially Mo and Sr. According to the integrated pollution indices, the soils of the study area were moderately polluted. The results of human health risk assessment indicated the possibility of carcinogenic risk of As and Cr through the ingestion route for children. Statistical analyses showed that Fe-Mn oxides may play a major role in the accumulation of pollutants in the soil. Moreover, the agricultural activity probably enhanced the concentration of toxic elements in soils. The results of the present study showed that application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is the main source of contamination of the agricultural soils of the study area, and therefore, the environmental management of agricultural practice deems necessary.
Keywords:
#potentially toxic elements #soil #agriculture #health risk #Bastam plain Keeping place: Central Library of Shahrood University
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