Physical-Chemical Properties and Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in Agriculture Soil in Al-Qadisiyah City by using ArcGIS and Multivariate Analysis

Abstract

Al-Qadisiyah governorate is one of the most important agricultural areas in Iraq, and the study was conducted in different areas of the governorate, including seven areas for sampling. The physical-chemical properties and heavy metals of agricultural soils were examined. The results showed that highest value was Ni (189.9 mg/kg) followed by Cr (124.5 mg/kg), Zn (50.8 mg/kg), Cu (36.9 mg/kg), Pb (35.2 mg/kg) and Cd (1.17 mg/kg). Moreover, Ni and Cr concentration levels were higher than Canadian soil guidelines. Geostatistical analysis was applied to know the sources of heavy metals in agricultural soil and results were revealed that Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr were the same pollution sources and Cd and Pb also were the same pollution sources indicating these elements impacted by anthropogenic activities. The Pearson correlation coefficients found some physical-chemical properties role in increasing heavy metals in the soil such as EC and Cu, and also TOC, OM and Cr. Therefore, these results are considered useful for the competent authorities in order to reduce and control these pollutants in agricultural soils.