Application of Geoaccumulation Index and Enrichment Factors on the Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution along Irbid/zarqa Highway-Jordan

Abstract

The concentration of seven soil heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Co, Pb, Ni, Cu and Cd) was measured in twenty one sampling sites along Irbid-Zarqa highway during January 2011. These samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer. The assessment of heavy metal pollution was derived using the Enrichment Factors (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo). This study revealed that the soil is predominantly by Cd >Ni>Co>pb>Zn>Cr>Cu. As recorded the highest EF value at 38.7 for Cd followed by Ni (12.35), Co (5.33), Pb (2.40), Zn (2.04), Cr (0.75) and Cu (0.40). This is similar to the Igeo), which indicates that the highest level goes to Cd (1.41), exhibits moderately polluted. Meanwhile, Pb recorded 0.20 and Zn (0.13), which illustrates that both of these elements vary from unpolluted to moderately polluted. The Co, Cr, Ni and Cu levels are below 0, which demonstrates background concentrations.