Ecological Risk Assessment of PTEs in Topsoils Impacted by Diamond Mining (Yakutia, Russia)

Abstract

The concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the topsoils of Udachny mining area were determined. The soil samples were taken from the 42 topsoil samples at a depth of 0-20 cm. The concentrations of PTEs (Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn) were analyzed by the atomic absorption method on MGA-1000. In addition, the pH and soil organic matter (humus) were measured for each sample. The potential ecological risk was quantitatively estimated for each site. The most severe PTEs soil contamination in the study area was Cd, followed by As, Pb, Cr, and Zn. Local areas with a significant potential environmental risk (300 ≤ RI < 600) have been established near the kimberlite pipe and overburden dump.