Chemical Characterization And Heavy Metal Analysis Of Soils From Villages Adjacent To Industrial Area Of Rewari District

Abstract

Soil is a natural habitat for diverse microbial and faunal communities and a medium for regulating various cycles and processes that supports the plant growth. The present study investigates the soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) sodium (Na) and heavy metal concentrations of soils in four villages adjacent to Bawal industrial area. Soil samples collected from three distinct agricultural lands of each village at a depth of 10 cm. Results reflects the normal to slightly alkaline nature and low organic carbon content of studied soils. Soil nutrient analysis revealed N, P, K contents in the range of 13 to 18, 15 to 21, and 16 to 20 mg/kg respectively. Soil pH is reported to show a strong negative correlation with EC (r= -0.86501), moderate negative with OC and positive correlation with N(r= 0.424826). A significant positive correlation observed between OC and P(r=.0.64327). The heavy metal concentrations of soils exhibited the order Fe> Zn > Cu>Ni> Cr> Pb> Cd.  As these soils are irrigated with groundwater, levels of heavy metals are in compliance with the maximum allowed concentrations established by WHO.