Spatial assessment of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pollution in the vicinity of a cement plant through magnetic and chemical testing in plants and soil

Cement plants are a potential source of environmental pollutants, particularly potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Some PTEs are trapped in clinker, while others volatilize, adhering to dust particles and contributing to atmospheric pollution. These PTEs persist in the environment, bioaccumulate, and are toxic, posing risks to ecosystems, agriculture, and health. This study employs both magnetic and chemical methods to evaluate soil and plant contamination in the vicinity of a cement plant. Soil magnetic susceptibility (χlf) was twice the background level at 80% of sites, indicating significant anthropogenic enrichment. While plants (C. equisetifolia and C. lusitanica) showed lower χlf values than the soil, and notably more superparamagnetic (SP) material, this suggests airborne particulate contamination. Elevated Cu, Cr, and As levels were found in soils, with Cr, Ni, V, Pb, and Zn elevated in plants. Nevertheless, considering the spatial distribution, year-round wind direction, and the long-term accumulation of these metals in soil, their enrichment by PTEs is likely more influenced by urban activities such as traffic and agriculture rather than the cement plant. Correlations between χlf and metals like Cu, Ni, As, Zn, and Cd suggest magnetic measurements are reliable pollution indicators.