Spatial Distribution of Some Heavy Metals in Urban Soil of Western Iraq

Abstract

Concentrations of major and trace metals (33 elements) in urban soils of Al-Anbar province, Iraq were surveyed. Links between heavy metals pollution and potential sources were investigated. The concentration of 15 elements, including As, Cu, Sb, Cd, Ag, Ni, Cr, V, Cs, Te, Zn, Mn, Ti, Fe and Ca, was found higher than background limits. High detected concentrations indicating enrichment of these metals in urban soil of Al-Anbar province. Besides, the presence of “unexpected” toxic metals such as Rb, Sr and Zr was observed at high levels in the surveyed region. Correlation analysis was employed to evaluate the source similarities of heavy metal pollution in urban soils of the studied area. Four main sources of soil contamination by heavy metals heavy was suggested. Uncontrolled rapid urbanization in the Al-Anbar province is the first contamination source for different trace metals, e.g., Zn, Cd and Cu. Lead, Cr, Mn and Ni are closely related to the socio-economic growth in the studied region. Microelements, e.g., Fe, K, Ca, are appeared to be driven from the natural origin through paedogenesis and from parent materials. Obtained results showed that the military activities could be regarded as a potential source for high levels of unusual trace elements and toxic heavy metals like As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V and Zr that are usually found only in trace amounts in the natural environment. This study will not only guide soil quality in Al-Anbar province but also can provide a baseline for policy analysis to mitigate soil pollution in urban areas and risk control.