Fractionation and risk assessment of heavy metals in soil samples collected along Zerqa River,Jordan |
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Authors: | Habes A Ghrefat Nigem Yusuf Ahmad Jamarh Jamal Nazzal |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Geology and Geophysics, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia;(2) Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 21110, Jordan;(3) Civil Engineering Department, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan |
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Abstract: | The objectives of the current study were to determine the chemical partitioning of Pb, Ni, Zn, Co, Cr, Mn, Fe and Cd using
sequential extraction procedure and to assess the environmental risk associated with these metals in the farming soils along
Zerqa River. Metal concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The study area demonstrated a wide
range for pH, organic matter, carbonate contents, and cation exchange capacity, and is polluted with Pb, Cd, Mn, and Cu. The
extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides in the agricultural activities, and discharge of treated and untreated wastewater
are the major sources of pollution in the study area. Principal component analysis coupled with Pearson’s correlation analysis
between the heavy metals revealed strong and positive correlation between these metals in the study area. According to the
Risk Assessment Code (RAC), major portions of Cd and Mn are contained in exchangeable and carbonates fractions and therefore
can easily enter the food chain. These metals pose a high to very high risk to the environment. Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn pose medium
risk, while Cr poses a low environment risk. |
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