The Effect of Oil Field Waste on Soil Properties using Spatial Analysis

Background: Oil field waste is among the leading causes of environmental contamination, adversely impacting soil quality and nearby ecosystems. In Baghdad, the Dora refinery is a central location for oil refining activities. However, the pollution generated by its operations, which includes heavy metals and hydrocarbons, threatens the health and fertility of the soil. Spatial analyses help in determining the distribution patterns of these pollutants and their effects on the environment. This study intends to investigate the effects of pollutants such as lead, cadmium and hydrocarbons on the soil around the Dora refinery in Baghdad. Besides, it aims to create a predictive model to assess hydrocarbon levels based on the concentrations of lead and cadmium using spatial analysis. Methods: Soil samples were gathered from three zones with varying pollution levels (low, medium and high) and were examined using spectral analysis methods to identify lead and cadmium concentrations. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were employed to analyze the spatial data and determine the distribution patterns of pollutants. A multiple regression model was also created to forecast hydrocarbon levels based on lead and cadmium concentrations. Result: The findings indicated that lead, cadmium and hydrocarbon concentrations rose greatly as the distance to the Daura refinery decreased. A correlation was established between the levels of these pollutants, showing that hydrocarbons contribute to the movement of heavy metals within the soil. Using the regression model, the concentrations of hydrocarbons were predicted from lead and cadmium levels.