Abstract:
Soil pollution occurs when human intervention changes the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the soil, lowering its quality and production. Recent increases in industrial pollutants such as petroleum hydrocarbons, organic solvents, heavy metals, and widespread agricultural fertilizer usage are to blame for the problem of soil contamination. The study was carried out in Khabat district, located in the Erbil province in northern Iraq. The main aim of the research was to assess the soil pollution level in the area around Erbil refinery. The research primarily examined important indicators of soil quality, with a specific emphasis on the presence of heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). The findings demonstrated a significant disparity in the levels of heavy metals, such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Beryllium (Be). This suggests that although some components provide a considerable level of pollution danger, others are less worrisome. Moreover, the area is classified as having a low to moderate level of pollution based on the geo accumulation index (Igeo index). Beryllium had the highest Igeo index value, namely at site S22, suggesting a moderate level of contamination. The examination of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) indicated values ranging from 11 to 151 mg/kg, with the most elevated levels seen at site S1. TPH had an inverse relationship with elements such as Silver (Ag) and Cadmium (Cd), whereas it showed a direct relationship with Boron (B) and Beryllium (Be). The Electrical Conductivity (EC) tests revealed that the soil salinity was mostly low, with an average EC of 479.136 µS/cm. The location with the greatest electrical conductivity (EC) value was S3, located near the Erbil Refinery, with a measurement of 911 µS/cm. This indicates that industrial activities have had a locali Kawrgsed influence on soil salinity in that area. Furthermore, the findings of this research demonstrated that the Canadian Soil Quality Index (CSQI) ranged from 70.3580 to 59.5909. The research region exhibits a level of contamination ranging from low to moderate, which adheres to the pollution standards set by international criteria. Nevertheless, it is important to have continuous surveillance and control, particularly in regions affected by industrial activities.
