Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements Pollution Pattern and Environmental Risk in Soils from Carpathian Areas Using a GIS-Based Approach and Pollution Indices

Understanding the occurrence and spatial variability of potentially toxic elements in soils is essential for tracing pollution origins, assessing ecological risks, and supporting sustainable land use management. This study investigates the soil pollution with Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, As, Mn, Sr, and Fe, their spatial distribution, and environmental risks in two areas in southwestern Romania—Isverna and Tismana—using a combination of pollution indices and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based analyses. Results indicated predominantly low to moderate pollution across both areas, with localized hotspots of high to extreme pollution, particularly with Ni and Pb, near human settlements. In contrast, Tismana showed more uniform, generally lower pollution levels, suggesting the influence of natural (lithogenic) sources. Spatial distribution maps highlighted these differences, showing more heterogeneous localized hotspots in Isverna, likely linked to anthropogenic activities such as agricultural runoff and improper domestic waste disposal. The integrated use of pollution indices and GIS mapping proved effective in identifying contamination patterns and risk zones, providing valuable insights for environmental monitoring and sustainable management of rural land.