Analysis Of Heavy Metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn) In Agricultural Soil Near Dolvi, Alibuag

Abstract

This study shows the concentration of heavy metals in the agricultural soil of Dolvi Village, Raigad, Maharashtra, India. The area is categorised by notable industrial activity, like steel and cement plants. Soil samples were collected from six different rice fields using a random sampling method at a depth of 15 cm, with composite sampling to ensure representative data. The analysis concentrated on six key heavy metals: Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn). The result shows varying concentrations of contamination of heavy metals across the study area. With sample 3 exhibiting the highest concentration of Cadmium (12 mg/kg), Chromium (138 mg/kg) and Copper (115 mg/kg). The lowest concentration of Cadmium was observed in sample 5, i.e. (5mg/kg). The study highlights that the proximity of rice fields to iron and steel industries contributes to heavy metal accumulation in the soil, posing a risk of bioaccumulation in the crop. Such contamination could cause a risk to food security and human health. The finding features the urgent need for an industrial pollution control system and the implementation of remedial strategies to safeguard the soil health and agricultural productivity of the region.