Impact of industrialization on heavy metals contamination in agricultural soils of Sonepat, a satellite township of New Delhi, India.

Abstract

Present study was conducted to assess the impact of industrialization on heavy metals contamination in agricultural soils of Sonepatin the state of Haryana and a satellite township of New Delhi. A total of 23 agricultural soil samples,collected from different locations inthe study area were analyzed for pH, total organic carbon(TOC), and heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn, Mn, Co, and Fe). Soil samples had an average pH of 7.81±0.25 with TOC values of0.59±0.12 percent. Average metal concentrations followed theorder asFe>Mn> Zn> Ni> Cr> Cu>Pb> Co> Cd with concentration values (mg/kg) as 17977> 325> 91> 52> 44> 34> 32> 2> 1.The contamination factor (CF) and geo-accumulation index analysis revealed that the agricultural soils were contaminated with Cd, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn. A moderate potential ecological risk was found in most of the soil samples due to the presence of Cd. Interpretation of enrichment factors(EFs) showed that Cd, Mn, and Zn were mainly anthropogenic in origin while Ni and Pb were having both anthropogenic and crustal origin. The health risk index on inhabitants due to exposure to heavy metals in agricultural soils was calculated for oral, dermal, and inhalation pathways and the values obtained were below 1, showing no significant health effects due to direct exposure