Environmental Significance of Major and Trace Elements in the Soils of Selected Areas in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq

A study analyzing soil samples from six sites in Erbil, including the UNESCO-listed Erbil Citadel, reveals critical levels of heavy metals in industrial and citadel areas. Concentrations of Co, Mn, and Pb exceeded pollutant thresholds in industrial zones, while Ni, Cu, Co, and Mn reached hazardous levels in the Citadel's soils. Phosphorus pollution was also noted in the Citadel samples. Despite these concerns, most elements, including Fe, K, Al, and others, remained below international standards for toxicity. The research highlights localized environmental risks, particularly in urban and heritage sites, underlining the need for further monitoring of heavy metal accumulation in soil.

Farhad A. Mohammed, Sirwa Q. Smail, & Yawooz A. Kettanah. (2013). Environmental Significance of Major and Trace Elements in the Soils of Selected Areas in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq. Iraqi National Journal of Earth Science (INJES), 13(2), 15–32. https://doi.org/10.33899/earth.2013.79658