Determination of Heavy Metal Pollution in Agricultural Soils of Maden Complex (Elazığ), Türkiye

Increased concentrations of metals in the soil can be harmful to human health and ecosystems. This study evaluated the amounts of As, Ni, Co, Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Mn in 20 soil samples to identify potential ecological concerns and sources of heavy metal contamination in the soils adjacent to the Maden Complex. The findings revealed that the mean concentrations of As, Ni, Co, Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Mn in the soil of the research region were 14.6 mg kg-1, 222.7 mg kg-1, 19.3 mg kg-1, 19.8 mg kg-1, 119.8 mg kg-1, 2.7 mg kg-1, 26.1 mg kg-1, and 882.8 mg kg-1, respectively. In soil samples, all save one exhibited nickel amounts surpassing the permissible limits established by the WHO. Out of the total soil samples, seven exhibited chromium concentrations beyond the WHO's permissible limits, three displayed arsenic concentrations exceeding the WHO's permissible limits, and two revealed manganese concentrations over the WHO's permissible limits. The EF of As was highly enriched, Ni was significantly enriched, Cr and Mn were moderately enriched, while Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn exhibited little enrichment. The average Igeo values are as follows: As 2.35 (moderately contaminated), Ni 0.46 (lightly polluted), Cr -0.56, Mn -0.95, Co -1.05, Zn -3.09, Pb -3.25, and Cu -3.60 (unpolluted). Samples from the research area indicate moderately to substantially contaminated soil, as evidenced by PLI (mean 2.21) values. The results may provide essential insights and guidance for addressing heavy metal contamination in soils in similar locations.