Ecological and Geochemical Condition of Soils in the City of Lipetsk

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to monitor soils and identify areas of negative impact of industrial enterprises of the city of Lipetsk. Materials and methods. The content of gross and mobile forms of heavy metals of hazard classes 1 and 2 (Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu) was studied by atomic absorption method. Soil contamination was evaluated in relation to sanitary-hygienic and ecological-geochemical indicators, taking into account toxicity of elements. Results and discussion. One third of samples exceeded the UEC for one or more heavy metals. Using statistical methods of results processing and calculation of the total pollution index with a correction factor for toxicity of elements, the zones most exposed to soil pollution in the city of Lipetsk were identifi ed. Conclusions: The soils of Lipetsk are signifi cantly polluted with heavy metals. The infl uence of Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant on the level of soil pollution is shown. Pollution levels up to extremely dangerous categories have been recorded.