Integrated approach of heavy metal evaluation using geostatistical and pollution assessment index in soil of bauxite mining area

Tajudin, Nur Shuhada and Zulkifli, Mazidah and Miskon, Mohd Fuad and Anuar, Mohamad Izzuddin and Hashim, Zulkifli and Faudzi, Fikriah and Jamaluddin, Nurul Mayzaitul Azwa (2022) Integrated approach of heavy metal evaluation using geostatistical and pollution assessment index in soil of bauxite mining area. Pertanika Journal of Science and Technology, 30 (2). pp. 1545-1566. ISSN 0128-7680 E-ISSN 2231-8526

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Abstract

Heavy metals contamination in soil is one of the global issues, posing a threat not just to the environment but also to human health. Identifying the source and distribution of heavy metal pollutants around mining areas can provide a scientific basis for future environmental control. Distributions of the heavy metals (Cd, Cr, As, and Ni) in this study were evaluated using descriptive and multivariate statistics and further described using a geostatistical approach and pollution indices. The total content of Cr, Cd, and Ni in surface soil was observed with a higher concentration level according to the Dutch target values and the 95% Investigation Levels determined for Malaysia soil. Statistical analyses, geostatistics, and GIS mapping suggested that Cd, Cr, and Ni were derived mainly from anthropogenic sources, including mining and agricultural activities, while As could be derived from lithogenic and anthropogenic sources. Geoaccumulation index analysis demonstrated that the contamination that occurred with Cd posed the greatest risk of contamination, followed by Cr, Ni, and As. A spatial interpolated map showed a higher concentration of heavy metals in the vicinity of the mining area. These findings highlight the effectiveness of principal component analysis, geostatistics, and geospatial analyses in evaluating heavy metal contents in the study area. The obtained results could be used by authorities to identify areas requiring remediation management and establish scientific baseline data related to soil quality.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bauxite mining, geoaccumulation index, GIS, heavy metals, semivariogram
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Science
Depositing User:	Nur Shuhada bt Muhamada Tajudin
Date Deposited:	28 Apr 2022 14:49
Last Modified:	15 Jun 2022 12:20
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/97731

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