Applied Chemical Engineering

Impact of power plant-east of AL-Diwaniyah /Iraq- on soil pollution with heavy metals (HMs)

Zainab Salih Mahdi

Biology Department, College of Education, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate, 58002, Iraq

Ali O. Shaawiat

Biology Department, College of Education, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate, 58002, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/ace.v8i1.5640

Keywords: soil pollution; heavy metals (HMs); power plant; Geo-accumulation index

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Abstract

Monitoring soil contaminants is crucial in addressing sustainability issues. This study directly addresses the environmental sustainability issue of soil contamination with heavy metals (HMs) due to anthropogenic activities, particularly in soil surrounding the Al-Diwaniyah power plant, which is one of Iraq's electricity sources. Samples were obtained at the power station's three sites: right (R), left (L), and direction (D) (term "direction" refers to sampling site located directly in front of power plant, aligned with prevailing wind path). Soil samples were collected from different locations throughout 2024, with two separate soil sub-samples from the same site. Samples were obtained at the power station's three sites: right (R), left (L), direction. The concentrations of HMs chromium, nickel, cadmium, and lead were evaluated using an atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and results were expressed in milligrams of metal per kilogram of dry soil (mg/kg). The findings showed that the total concentrations of HMs were Ni> Pb> Cr> Cd, with values of 17.32 -41.27, 33.61-0.32 -6.07, and 12.77 -46.89 mg/kg for Cr, Ni, Cd), and Pb, respectively. The Contamination Factor (CF) and Ecological Risk Index (Er) calculation showed that the soil samples were heavily polluted. Furthermore, HMs concentrations were usually high throughout the autumn season at all three investigated sites. The elevated concentrations observed during autumn season may be due to reduced rainfall and limited leaching, resulting in increased accumulation of HMs in upper soil layers. It may be concluded that human activities have an influence on soil health, and these findings might emphasize the need of preserving soil health and sustainability from HMs contamination induced by neighboring activities such as electricity generation facilities.

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