Assessment of the Risk From Soil Pollution by Heavy Metals

The purpose of the research presented in the article is an integrated assessment of soil contamination with heavy metals based on the methodology of risk analysis. The risks from soil pollution by heavy metals are calculated based on criteria that ensure the preservation of a favorable environment, taking into account the spatial scale, duration and intensity of exposure to pollutants. As a criterion of ecological safety (ecological criterion), the limitation of the content of heavy metals in the soil is used to levels that preserve the basic ecological functions of the soil, ensure the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable functioning of natural ecosystems, and do not disrupt the chemical and physical functions of the soil. The hygienic criterion is the maximum permissible (or approximately permissible) concentration of a contaminant in the soil. In order to preserve a favorable environment, the minimum value according to environmental and hygienic criteria is selected as the reference level of heavy metal content in the soil. To assess the risk from chemical contamination of soils with heavy metals, the following indicators are used: the risk index, equal to the ratio of the content of heavy metals in the soil to the control level; the hazard index, which is the sum of the ratios of the observed concentrations of heavy metals in the soil to the corresponding control levels; a generalized risk indicator, which is an integral indicator for assessing soil contamination with heavy metals. Risk indicators are calculated based on data from monitoring the content of heavy metals in the soil in the survey area. The results of the risk assessment make it possible to rank the levels of soil contamination with heavy metals, rationally organize monitoring in the survey area, and optimize protective measures in order to preserve a favorable environment.

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