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URBAN SOIL CONTAMINATION WITH HEAVY METALS: SOURCES, ECOLOGICAL IMPACT AND REMEDIATION STRATEGIES
Abstract
Urban soil contamination with heavy metals is a growing environmental concern due to its adverse effects on human health, ecosystem stability, and soil productivity. The primary sources of this pollution include industrial activities, vehicular emissions, atmospheric deposition, mining operations, and improper waste disposal. As heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) accumulate in the soil, their persistence and low mobility make them difficult to degrade or remove naturally. These pollutants pose a serious threat to food security and public health, as they can enter food chains through plant uptake and groundwater contamination. Long-term exposure to heavy metals is associated with neurological disorders, organ damage, and an increased risk of chronic diseases in humans. This study investigates the levels and distribution of heavy metal contamination in urban soils, focusing on its impact on soil microbiota, plant growth, and biodiversity. The chemical and physical properties of contaminated soils are analyzed to understand the mobility, bioavailability, and interactions of these toxic elements with organic matter and mineral fractions. The research also explores various remediation techniques, including physical, chemical, and biological methods. Among these, phytoremediation-the use of hyperaccumulator plants to absorb and stabilize contaminants-emerges as an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach. Additionally, advanced adsorption techniques using biochar, activated carbon, and natural clays show promising results in immobilizing heavy metals.
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