Relationship between magnetic susceptibility and heavy metals concentration in polluted soils of lenjanat region, Isfahan

Abstract

This study analyzed the relationship between soil magnetic susceptibility and the content of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Fe on 233 samples from polluted soils of Lenjanat Region in the Isfahan. The aim was to investigate the suitability of such measurements for indicating heavy metal pollution. Heavy metal contents were determined after extraction with nitric acid. Basic soil characteristics were determined using common methods. Geochemical analysis of soil samples showed close correlation between Cd, Ni and Fe. Cd concentration was the highest of all the elements studied. The correlation between the analyzed metals and magnetic susceptibility are positive and significant for Fe and Cu. Results suggests that magnetic susceptibility can be used as a guideline to find contaminated urban areas with Fe and Cu in this region.