DefinePK

Abstract

Abstract | Contamination of soil with heavy metals is a global issue that has a significant impact on ecosystems and human health. Soil contaminated with heavy metals presents a serious risk to human health and ecosystems. This study quantified the level of heavy metal pollution in the soil. The study aimed to identify the origins of heavy metals, chart their locations, and evaluate potential impacts on the environment and public health. fifteen samples of soil have been collected from the Al_saqi farm, which is west of Karbala City. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) machine has been used and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to find out how much heavy metal was influencing the area. The samples vary in terms of contamination, ranging from completely uncontaminated to somewhat contaminated by Cd, Zn, Ni, and B, and substantially polluted by Fe. Furthermore, the B, Ni, Pb, Cu, and Zn contamination factors (CF) show minimal contamination, whereas the Cd and Fe contamination factors (CF) show moderate to high contamination. The findings suggest that heavy metals do not heavily contaminate the region, as the concentrations of the HM (heavy metals) elements are lower than their averages in the Earth’s crust. Groundwater is responsible for the high levels of heavy metals in the research region. The chemicals used in fertilizers on agricultural lands may be the cause of the high levels of heavy metals in the research region. Phosphate One important factor contributing to diffuse cadmium pollution is ore fertilizers. Acidity is the main factor affecting cadmium solubility in water.