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Salehi R, Koushafar A. Ecological risk assessment and enrichment of heavy metals cadmium, lead, zinc and copper in surface soils of agricultural fields in Darkhovin city. J Environ Health Eng 2026; 14 :13-30
URL: http://jehe.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1158-en.html
URL: http://jehe.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1158-en.html
1- Department of Environment, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Department of Environment, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran ,azitakoosh1348@gmail.com
2- Department of Environment, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran ,
Abstract: (5 Views)
Background: Heavy metals are persistent pollutants that are highly mobile in soil and enter and accumulate in agricultural products. This study aimed to assess the ecological risk and enrichment of Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu in agricultural fields of Darkhovin city in 2025.
Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected from the farms of the villages of Umm al-Hajjar, Segara, Umm al-Ghazlan and Salihawiyyah. Four farms were selected in each village and three soil samples were taken from each farm. A Perkin Elmer model 900T atomic absorption spectrometer, manufactured in the United States, was used to measure heavy metals.
Results: The concentrations of Cd (2.26 mg kg-1), Pb (30.51 mg kg-1), Zn (157.30 mg kg-1) and Cu (123.03 mg kg-1) in the soils of agricultural fields at Umm al-Ghazlan station were higher than at other stations (P<0.05). The individual pollution indices of CF (11.31), EF (108.77), Igeo (2.91) and Er (339.38) of Cd were higher than those of the other metals at Umm al-Ghazlan station. The pattern of CF, EF and Igeo of metals was as follows: Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb, of course, it should be noted that regarding Igeo at Umm al-Ghazlan station, Cu was observed to be higher than Zn. Also, the pattern of Er of metals was as follows: Cd > Cu > Pb > Zn. The lowest values of CF, EF and Igeo related to Pb were obtained at Segareh station, respectively, 1.45, 13.91 and -0.05.
Conclusion: According to the results of soil pollution indices such as enrichment factor, Geoaccumulation index and pollution load index, the entry of heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu is affected by human activities and the soil of the study area has high heavy metal pollution. It is suggested that other toxic metals and trace elements be investigated in the soil and trees of urban and residential areas of Darkhovin city and the Darkhovin oil field.
Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected from the farms of the villages of Umm al-Hajjar, Segara, Umm al-Ghazlan and Salihawiyyah. Four farms were selected in each village and three soil samples were taken from each farm. A Perkin Elmer model 900T atomic absorption spectrometer, manufactured in the United States, was used to measure heavy metals.
Results: The concentrations of Cd (2.26 mg kg-1), Pb (30.51 mg kg-1), Zn (157.30 mg kg-1) and Cu (123.03 mg kg-1) in the soils of agricultural fields at Umm al-Ghazlan station were higher than at other stations (P<0.05). The individual pollution indices of CF (11.31), EF (108.77), Igeo (2.91) and Er (339.38) of Cd were higher than those of the other metals at Umm al-Ghazlan station. The pattern of CF, EF and Igeo of metals was as follows: Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb, of course, it should be noted that regarding Igeo at Umm al-Ghazlan station, Cu was observed to be higher than Zn. Also, the pattern of Er of metals was as follows: Cd > Cu > Pb > Zn. The lowest values of CF, EF and Igeo related to Pb were obtained at Segareh station, respectively, 1.45, 13.91 and -0.05.
Conclusion: According to the results of soil pollution indices such as enrichment factor, Geoaccumulation index and pollution load index, the entry of heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu is affected by human activities and the soil of the study area has high heavy metal pollution. It is suggested that other toxic metals and trace elements be investigated in the soil and trees of urban and residential areas of Darkhovin city and the Darkhovin oil field.
Keywords: Pollution load index, heavy metals, soil pollution, land accumulation index, ecological risk assessment
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/02/18 | Accepted: 2026/05/26 | Published: 2026/06/20
Received: 2026/02/18 | Accepted: 2026/05/26 | Published: 2026/06/20
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