The content of heavy metals in the soil by the state road Čačak-Kraljevo

Abstract

The origin of heavy metals in soil is geochemical. Their concentration caused by anthropogenic influences has increased with the development of industry and agriculture. Soil pollution by heavy metals is a significant environmental problem worldwide. Their toxicity has high negative impact on ecology, nutrition and environment. Physico-chemical soil analysis is performed in order to determine the presence of contamination caused by agrochemicals from farmland and frequent traffic on the nearby road. Sampling was carried out in April 2016 at three locations (L1, L2 and L3) near state road Čačak – Kraljevo, at the waterfront of tributaries of Zapadna Morava River, at a depth of 30 cm. The analysis of the tested parameters is carried out in accordance with current legislation. Organic matter content, pH and clay content, as well as harmful and hazardous substances (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Hg, As) was determined. The contents of Cu, Cr, Ar (L2) and Cr, Hg (L3) were crossing the limits given in the Regulation. The content of Ni (72.1) at the site L1 was higher than the limit value, and L2 (96) and L3 (102) has been over remediation values. Limit and remediation values for L1 was higher (the result of the higher content of clay (14%) and organic matter 6.42%), with respect to L2 (0.31%; 2.78%), and L3 (0.05% and 4%), respectively. Only the content of Ni was higher than limit values of MDK (50 mg kg-1). Based on previous research in this region it can be concluded that the increased content of Ni in the soil of geochemical origin. Investigated farmland near busy roads is not threatened by Pb. Soil samples did not show acid reaction (obtained value: pH 8.03; 8.52; 8.31), so mobility of heavy metals and the risk of contamination of groundwater not expected.