Environmental modelling of heavy metals using pollution indices and multivariate techniques in the soils of Bahr El Baqar, Egypt

Abstract

Fewer studies have assessed the discharge of industrial, agricultural and municipal wastewaters on heavy metal pollution in the Soils of Bahr El Baqar, Egypt. Thirty-four samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals, which were assessed using different indices. The summary statistics results indicate that Pb, Cd, Cu, Co, Cr and Ni concentrations in Bahr El Baqar soils are higher than those in the reference soil. By applying the Pearson rank order correlations, the result revealed that these metals have the same source of contamination. Average contamination factor values for heavy metals have an order Cd > Cr > Co > Ni > Cu > Pb > Zn > Mn > Fe, suggesting that soil samples were extremely high enriched with Cd, while Pb exhibit significant enrichment. Geoaccumulation index showed that the soils of Bahr El Baqar are having high concentrations of Cd, Ni, Co, and Cr, which exceeded the average standard value. These confirmed that Bahr El Baqar drain is facing probable environmental pollution especially with dangerous heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Co, Cr and Ni). Calculation of different indices indicates the study area falls under moderate to very high contamination degree, which regarded as polluted. These indices are useful tools for identification of anthropogenic source of soil contamination. According to this study, the agricultural activity in the Bahr El Baqar area requires careful consideration.