GEOCHEMICAL TOOLS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Geochemistry, a young earth science discipline, has evolved with chemical analysis techniques and is now integrated with environmental issues. Industrial development has increased the input of toxic elements into soil, water and air, potentially affecting the food chain. Geochemical tools investigate these sources and assess the risk of contamination. The combination of background enrichment indices and contamination indices provides a robust framework for understanding soil contamination. This dual approach enables researchers and environmental managers to effectively monitor, assess, and manage soil quality, ensuring that contamination is addressed based on a thorough understanding of both natural baselines and anthropogenic impacts. Based on ED-XRF analyses, the current study aims to evaluate eight potentially toxic elements (PTE) from a vineyard plot in the southern part of Ia?i city: Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and As. Vineyard soils require long-term agrochemical treatments for fertility and plant disease prevention, accumulating potentially toxic elements. The geoaccumulation index and contamination factor were used to evaluate PTE contamination in vineyard soils, showing variable pollution levels. Generally low risk for PTEs was noted, but with significant contamination from Cu and Pb and very high from Zn and As. Anthropogenic activities, especially agricultural practices and urban traffic, significantly contributed to this contamination. Consequently, the soil accumulates potentially harmful substances that need to be observed, particularly in light of land use change, which is a current issue for the community.