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A comparative study of metal contamination in soil using the borehole method
T L Teh1, Nik Norulaini Nik Ab Rahman2,3, Mohammad Shahadat4
1School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|June 14, 2016
Summary
Soil contamination by metal ions poses environmental risks. This study found moderate to extreme pollution in 14 boreholes, with cadmium and lead being the most concerning pollutants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Metal ion contamination in soil is a significant environmental concern.
- Understanding pollution levels is crucial for risk assessment and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of metal ion contamination in soil samples from 14 boreholes.
- To identify the primary metal pollutants and their distribution.
- To compare contamination levels with international standards and inform regulatory guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of metal ion concentrations using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES).
- Evaluation of contamination using Single Element Pollution Index (SEPI), Combined Pollution Index (CPI), Soil Enrichment Factor (SEF), and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo).
Main Results:
- Eight boreholes showed moderate to strong contamination, while others exhibited extreme contamination.
- Boreholes BL-3 and BL-11 had the highest levels of Cadmium (Cd(II)) and Lead (Pb(II)).
- Contamination levels were compared with those in other countries.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights significant soil contamination by metal ions, particularly Cd(II) and Pb(II).
- Findings provide critical data for risk assessment and can guide regulatory frameworks for soil and groundwater contamination in developing nations.
