Assessment of Elemental Composition in Ultramafic Parent Material and Derived Soils Using Pollution Indices

Abstract

The occurrence of heavy metals in agricultural areas, whether due to natural processes or human activities, poses significant risks to both the ecosystem and public health through their incorporation into the food chain via plants. This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of metals and the pollution risk levels in ultramafic soils within Kahramanmaraş and its surrounding districts (Türkoğlu, Ekinözü, Afşin) in the Eastern Mediterranean region. A total of 56 samples, consisting of 28 surface soil samples (0-30 cm) and 28 parent material samples (90 cm+), were collected from these areas. Various pollution indices, including the enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), and contamination factor (CF), were utilized to assess both natural and human-induced impacts on the ultramafic soils. The findings indicated that the concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Co in the topsoil layer (0-30 cm) exceeded the maximum limits established by the World Health Organization. Despite this, the pollution indices (EF, Igeo, PLI, and CF) for these elements were relatively low, suggesting a similar composition between the parent material and the soil. This points to the natural occurrence of these heavy metals in the soil. On the other hand, the pollution indices for Pb and Cu indicated human-related influences on these elements. Additionally, there was no significant enrichment of Mn or Cd from either natural or human sources. Environmental hazards such as erosion and dusting are common in areas affected by pollution, whether natural or anthropogenic. To address these issues, specific management practices are necessary, such as reducing soil disturbance in polluted agricultural zones or maintaining permanent vegetation cover to stabilize the soil.