ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND ASSESSMENT OF POLLUTION BY VANADIUM IN TOP SOIL OF KIRKUK, NORTHERN IRAQ

Abstract

The vanadium geochemistry was estimated in the topsoil of Kirkuk, northern Iraq, and its potential sources are forecasted by using multivariate statistical analysis as useful tools in this field, in addition to assessing soil pollution with vanadium by using individual indices such as enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and contamination factor (CF). Eighteen topsoil samples were collected with a depth ranges 0–20cm, and analyzed by using the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer technique (ICP-MS). The results showed that the concentration of vanadium ranged from 37-51 mg/kg, with an average of 46 mg/kg, relatively it was high concentrations in the agricultural and residential areas compared to the industrial areas. Statistical analysis indicated the contribution of oil combustion and the use of phosphate fertilizers in increasing vanadium concentrations in topsoil. Pollution indices of enrichment factor were in the minimal enrichment category for all samples, geo accumulation index was non-contamination categories for all samples, while Contamination factor was low for all samples.