Evaluation of Heavy Metals contamination in Surface Soil Caused by Steel Industry

Abstract

Background and purpose: Expanded industries and incorrect management led to land pollution, which caused irreparable damage to nature and organisms. Therefore, investigating the role of industrial centers in soil pollution is among the most important measures in field of pollution control. This study aimed to evaluate the Heavy Metals contamination in Surface Soil Caused by Steel Industry. Materials and Methods: In this study, to determine the concentration of Cadmium and Lead in soil, 6 soil samples with a depth of 0-5 cm from surrounding areas were collected. Lead and Cadmium levels were measured in soil samples by flame atomic absorption. The statistical indices for concentrations of elements in soil dust were calculated, then the concentrations of the elements in soil before and after the factory were compared, and In order to evaluate the contaminations of heavy metals and to study the environmental impact of the modified degree of contamination, the degree of contamination and the potential environmental risk were calculated. Results: The minimum and maximum amounts for Cadmium and Lead contamination in soil were 24.60, 99.30 and 35.60, 156.30 mg/kg respectively. The results indicated there was a meaningful difference between the amount of Cadmium before and after the company. The pollutant index for Cadmium was extreme and dangerous, whereas the pollutant index for Lead was not critical. Conclusion: Concentrations of two measured elements showed that only level of cadmium was higher than global standards and this indicates polluting role of this factory. Therefore planning for control the release of this metal and other pollutants should be considered.

Keywords

• contamination soil
• pollution index
• steel plant