ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF LEAD IN SOIL USING ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY

Heavy metal contamination in soil, especially by lead (Pb), is a major environmental concern caused by industrial and human activities. In this study, soil samples from areas around JSW Steel (Pottaneri, Mecheri, and Mettur) were collected and processed using standard preparation and acid digestion methods. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to measure lead levels, as it is a sensitive and reliable technique based on light absorption by metal atoms. The results show that AAS is effective for detecting lead contamination in soils. The study emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring and suggests remediation methods like phytoremediation and soil washing to reduce pollution and protect human health and the environment.