Assessment of Soil Potentially Toxic Metal Pollution in Kolchugino Town, Russia: Characteristics and Pollution

Abstract

The present study was carried out to describe the characteristic features of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in the soil of industrial city, Kolchugino–Vladimir Region–Russia. The mass fractions in mg/kg of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd were measured by atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Multivariate statistical analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), were performed. The obtained results of the potentially toxic elements were mapped using ArcGIS. A total of four pollution indices were calculated to identify the areas with significant pollution associations. The data analysis showed that locations 14 (urban area) and 16 (non-ferrous metallurgy plant) contribute significantly to pollution. Maximum likelihood method was used to classify the land-use and land-cover (LULC). The analysis shows that locations 14 and 16 are belonging to the industrial area on LULC. Great attention should be paid to the control and regulation of waste disposal into the environment, which in turn, has an adversely impact on human health. By using the data, it could help to identify areas where waste control measures need to be implemented, such as increasing recycling or introducing more waste control legislation. It could also help to identify areas where waste control efforts have been successful. Data can be used by government, policymakers, and stakeholders for future planning and R&D activities.