Heavy metals content in agricultural soils of Vladimir region, Russia

The research presents the results of our field study of the arable layer of agricultural soils in 2017. The study was carried out applying continuous agrochemical testing of the following heavy metals: gross content of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Ni. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine heavy metals in soil. The hazard coefficient was used to assess the soil pollution level. Heavy metals concentration in arable soils of the Vladimir region range as follows (min → max): Cd-0.13-0.36 mg / kg; Cu – 2.11 - 10.2 mg/kg; Co – 2.62 – 7.9 mg/kg; Pb – 3.43 - 10.2 mg/kg; Ni – 2.78 - of 15.6 mg/kg; Zn – 12.5 – 35.6 mg/kg; Mn - 136 - 541 mg/kg. Calculating the hazard ratio, the series is presented differently: Cu →Pb →Mn →Co→Zn→Ni→Cd. In comparison with background indicators gross content increase of the following elements occurred in the region: Pb (17.2%), Cu (13.5%), Zn (1.3%), Co (17.4%). Cd and Mn slightly decreased. Ni showed no changes. Fertilizers are the main source of HM in the arable layer. The research show that heavy metals gross content in the arable soil layer in the region does not exceed MPC; thus, arable soils in the Vladimir region are slightly polluted with heavy metals and are not harmful to human health. (paper)