Evaluation of heavy metal contamination using cokriging geostatistical method (case study of Abteymour oilfield in southern Iran)

Abstract

Abstract One of the most significant sources of soil contamination is the industries involved in the discovery, extraction, and use of petroleum and gas resources. One of the largest oil fields in Iran is the Abteymour oilfield, which is situated in the agricultural areas and Karun river flood plain. This study was carried out to analyze and monitor soil contamination by heavy metals and to create a map of the spread of contamination in the vicinity of the Abteymour oilfield, taking into account the significance of soil pollution in such a region. Thirty-three samples from the local surface soils were used in this study, and in addition to testing the ICP-MASS device's ability to detect the presence of heavy metals and other key elements, some of the soil's physical and chemical characteristics were also determined. After drawing the variograms and determining the appropriate fitting model, the cokriging method was used to study the spatial distribution of Al, Ti, Sr, Cr, Ni, V, Cu, Li, and Pb heavy metals and Na and S elements. The results of the heavy metals distribution in the studied area showed that the distribution of the studied elements is affected by geological conditions and human activities, including the petroleum industry and agriculture activities.

Keywords

• Variogram
• Soil contamination
• Oil and gas industries
• Agricultural activities