Comparative Assessment of Soil Pollution with Heavy Metals and Petroleum Products in Russian Arctic Cities

Abstract High levels of anthropogenic load in cities of the Russian Arctic zone combined with severe climatic conditions and soils with low resistance to pollution reduce the quality of the urban environment. Spatial heterogeneity and diverse pollution sources necessitate a comprehensive assessment of urban soils, using pollution indices. This study provides a comparative assessment of the soil pollution levels in Russian Arctic cities (Murmansk, Vorkuta, Salekhard, and Norilsk) by the Zc, NPI, and PERI indices. The soils of Vorkuta are characterized by an acceptable level of pollution (Zc = 15.8) and moderate environmental risk (PERI = 141), while the soils of Murmansk and Norilsk are characterized by a moderately hazardous level of pollution (Zc = 16.9 and 17.9) and a high environmental risk (PERI = 189 and 222), which may be dangerous to urban ecosystems. It is shown that soils with a moderately hazardous level of pollution may have a high potential environmental risk, which is related to the highly toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the soils of Murmansk and Vorkuta and the great content of Cu and Ni in Norilsk. The wide range of NPI for soils in Murmansk (1.5–27.2), Vorkuta (1.1–133), and Norilsk (0.9–53) indicates the localized hot spots with extremely high heavy metal pollution. Salekhard is characterized by low levels of soil pollution (Zc = 8.5) and moderate environmental risk (PERI = 104), making it the most environmentally friendly city. The results of this study may be used to select best practices for environmental monitoring, soil resource management, the development of sustainable urban green infrastructure, and improving the quality of the urban environment in the Russian Arctic.