Spatial characteristics and heavy metals pollution in urban soils of Basrah, Iraq

A detailed study was conducted to determine the concentrations for ten heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in 16 urban soil samples of Basrah city by using Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry technique to assess the pollution levels according to some pollution indices. The samples were collected from four traverses, includes the industrial, urban park, open space, commercial and residential sites. The mean values ofAs, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were 9.03, 0.23, 6.10, 509.19, 47.49, 23971.06, 415.04, 130.02, 33.08 and 71.77 mg/kg, respectively, these values indicate that vehicle exhausts and industrial emissions are the main sources of these metals in soil. The results of Igeo and PI indices showed high pollution levels for Cr and Ni. Er index indicated that most metals caused low risk in all stations excepted As, Cd and Pb have a moderate risk in industrial areas. IPI indicates medium to high pollution levels of heavy metals. Spatial distribution patterns of heavy metals indicated that the hotspot areas of metal pollution were mainly concentrated at the northern and western parts (commercial, residential and industrial areas) closely related to high traffic conditions and the industrial activities.