Determination of heavy elements in agricultural regions, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study utilized an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (model ICPE-9000) to determine the concentrations of Mo, Hg, Cd, Be, Co, V, Se, Ti, As, Cr, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb elements in the soil samples, and estimate its ratio compared to the standard global percentages. Several indices were employed, including enrichment factors, pollution load index, and accumulation index. The concentration of heavy metals in the soil samples was below the average concentration found in the soil. However, there were exceptions for five minerals, Cd, Mo, As, Se, and Hg, which had concentrations exceeding the average. The potential contamination or elevated levels of these heavy elements in soil could have implications for plant growth and environmental quality. In the soil, the pH levels were from 5.1 to 6.4, with an average pH of 5.8, and electrical conductivity ranged from 2.14 to 7.89 µS/m. The highest total dissolved solids found in the Qassim region were 1,710 mg/L, and lower values were observed in the Medina region. Furthermore, this study noted a high concentration of Cl– anions, with the highest concentration of 283.9 mg/L in the soil of the Qassim region, indicating the presence of chloride ions in the soil. This study will provide great benefits to the agricultural community in Saudi Arabia regarding the metals and behavior of the soils concerning the crops.