Soil Contamination by Heavy Metals in the Botevgrad Valley Region, Bulgaria

Heavy metal pollution in Bulgaria is a complex issue linked to the country's industrialand mining history. While the industrial progress has been made, much work remains toprotect human health and environment. Soils in the Botevgrad Valley show that heavy metalpollution occurs in only in limited places, with concentrations exceeding permissible levelsmainly near urban areas affected by anthropogenic activity. Soil contamination by copper andzinc is also observed in areas with intensive agriculture, due to the use of pesticides andmineral fertilizers. Increased levels of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium are found nearseveral roads, especially along unregulated landfills, industrial zones, and scattered householdwaste