The effect of anthropogenic activities on soil quality (Shafa Badran watercourse) in the Al Zarqa River Basin

• Autorzy: Ahmad Omar Asad

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.12911/22998993/199570

• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

The intensive urbanization of terrestrial environments and increased industrial activity significantly contribute to the accumulation of hazardous metals in soil, thereby heightening toxicological risks to soils ecosystems and human health. This study analyzed twenty-two soil samples collected from the Shafa Badran Watercourse within the Zarqa River basin to evaluate the presence and distribution of ten key hazardous metals, namely arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), vanadium (V), lithium (Li), and antimony (Sb). Additionally, anions and cations were assessed to understand broader soil chemistry dynamics. The study explores the hypothesis that land use, particularly the transformation of soil for agricultural purposes industrial use and residential significantly influences soil composition and contamination levels. Findings indicate that soil degradation in the region is primarily driven by industrial pressure and agricultural use, which has exacerbated metal accumulation in the environment. The results revealed that the highest concentrations of As, Pb and Cd, were detected in areas within and surrounding the Zarqa River Basin. Notably, the most polluted regions were identified as active zones adjacent to industrial activities and agricultural lands. The analysis highlights that soil in these areas poses substantial environmental pollution risks, particularly for the elements in the following descending order of concentration: As > Pb > Cd; meanwhile other metals still with acceptable range. Moreover, the hazardous metal content in soils near industrial zones was significantly higher compared to other land-use types, underscoring a pronounced risk of metal migration and accumulation within the Zarqa River basin and its associated groundwater systems. These findings emphasize the urgent need for effective land-use management strategies and industrial pollution mitigation measures to safeguard both environmental and public health in the region.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

soil pollution; heavy metals; Zarqa River Basin; soil mitigation; contamination level

• Wydawca: Polskie Towarzystwo Inżynierii Ekologicznej ; Lublin University of Technology
• Czasopismo: Journal of Ecological Engineering
• Rocznik: 2025
• Tom: Vol. 26, nr 3
• Strony: 108--118
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 27 poz., rys., tab.

Twórcy

autor

Ahmad Omar Asad

• Department of Civil Engineering, Water and Environmental Engineering, Amman Arab University, Amman, Jordan

• https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2926-1824

Bibliografia

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