Impact of industrial emissions on soil contamination: the case of Mohammedia soil, Morocco
摘要
Approximately 25 km northeast of Casablanca, the Mohammedia district has grown more industrialized. This study's objective is to assess the contamination of Mohammadia's soils by metallic elements emitted by industrial activities. Ten soil samples, designated Z1 through Z10, were collected in a highly industrialized region southwest of Mohammedia and the neighboring area. Areas near industry, petrochemical complexes, and wastelands with various kinds of waste were among the sampling locations. A representative technique based on zone sampling was used to gather samples. Metals were examined using ICP-AES after the sample was prepared by acid digestion. Heavy metal concentrations show a slight spatial consistency between sites. Based on pollution indices, soils are predominantly contaminated by copper (Cu levels are more significant than 0.9 mg Kg−1 for 100% of samples) and to a lesser degree by cobalt; 30% of samples show low contamination, while the others show moderate contamination. The primary sources of copper in this region's soils are regional industrial processes like metallurgy, thermal energy production, and chemical product manufacturing. However, the zinc concentrations are below the permissible thresholds of contamination for 80% of samples. Ni levels in this research are slightly lower than in other area studies. Cu, Pb, and Zn are below those in places such as the Loukkos estuary or highly contaminated areas. However, compared to previously examined urban areas, Cr concentrations are higher, most likely because of the refinery's closeness. Finally, the study area appears relatively uncontaminated by several metals, especially compared to other more industrialized regions.