Calculation of Pollution Indicators and Health Hazards of Heavy Elements in Surface Soils in Samarra City

Soil pollution and health risks from heavy metals in Samarra Archaeological City, Iraq, are primarily driven by industrial, agricultural, and military activities. The study found elevated concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), zirconium (Zr), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) due to industrial pollution, while vanadium (V), bromine (Br), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and arsenic (As) were linked to agricultural practices. Uranium (U) contamination was attributed to military activity. Health risk assessments revealed that ingestion poses the highest non-carcinogenic hazard for children and adults, particularly from chromium and mercury, while inhalation risks are elevated for manganese (Mn), chromium, and cobalt (Co). Contamination factors and pollutant load indices indicated medium to high soil pollution levels, though carcinogenic risks were deemed low based on average daily dose calculations. These findings underscore the need for targeted remediation efforts in Samarra's archaeological soils.

(Ed.). (2018). Calculation of Pollution Indicators and Health Hazards of Heavy Elements in Surface Soils in Samarra City. Iraqi Journal of Science, 59(3B). https://doi.org/10.24996/ijs.2018.59.3b.9