Assessment of metal contamination in soil banks of the Rhumel wadi (Northeast Algeria)

Abstract

Levels of six trace metals were assessed in bank soils of the Rhumel wadi (Northeast Algeria) and their association with soil properties was investigated. Samples were collected at 10 sites. The soils are neutral to moderately alkaline, have high contents of carbonate, and are low in organic carbon and clay. Mean metal concentrations are 1.1 (Cd), 63 (Cr), 20 (Cu), 26 (Ni), 31 (Pb), and 98 (Zn) mg kg⁻¹. The Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn contents in soil from sites closest to Constantine City were higher than in uncontaminated soils worldwide, indicating accumulation due to human activities (residential, industrial, and agricultural). Statistical analyses (correlation and principal component analysis) demonstrated that Cd, Pb, and Zn are of anthropogenic origin in the urban areas, whereas Cr and Cu enrichment in some situations is caused by industrial activities, while Ni was geogenic.

Keywords:

• bank soil
• contamination
• trace metals
• Rhumel wadi
• urban area

Acknowledgments

The authors express their sincere gratitude to the members of the Analytical Chemistry and Applied Ecochemistry Laboratory -- Ghent University (Belgium) for providing the facilities for trace metals analysis in the soil samples.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.