Identifying new ‘hotspot’ heavy metal contamination in industrial zone soil

Abstract

Concentrations of dangerous and harmful substances (PCB, TPH and heavy metals) were determined in soils in an industrial zone near the center of Banja Luka and the Vrbas River. PCB, TPH and heavy metals were found in the analysis location as a result of general anthropogenic factors. Contaminated soils have a negative impact on human health and the environment. The mean concentrations of Pb, TPH, Cu, PCB, Ni, Cd and Hg were 4874, 4105, 545.7, 282.1, 225.7, 12.15 and 5.896 mg/kg, respectively. Results show that concentrations were very high for all analyzed parameters, and these values indicated that the soil was highly polluted. Principal component analysis has shown that industrial factors and human activities are the cause of pollution. At the location it is necessary to determine the origin of pollution and recultivation and remediation activity of planned activity.