Analysis of Heavy Metals Using ICP-MS in Soils around some Tannery Industries

Heavy metals are naturally present in the soil. But increased industrial activities have led to an increased level in the soils. Industries discharge their wastes into the environment immediate to them. The effluent mainly carries many heavy metals. Most of the effluents from industry carrying many heavy metals are being disposed into drains, affecting the soil underneath and around it. Soil serves as one of the most important sources of heavy metal exposure to humans and animals. Soil samples were collected from different sites in the industrial area of Jalandhar, Punjab and analyzed using ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer) for potential contamination of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, As, Zn, Cu & Pb). The order of the average concentrations of tested heavy metals is Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > As. The average concentrations of Cr, Cd, As, Zn, Cu and Pb in the soil samples are 36.7µg/g, 0.15µg/g, 0.10µg/g, 24.8 µg/g, 4.47 µg/g and 2.44 µg/g respectively. The corresponding contamination factors for these heavy metals are found to be 0.52, 0.76, 0.01, 0.19, 0.13 and 0.15 for Cr, Cd, As, Zn, Cu and Pb respectively. The contamination factors for all the heavy metals are found to be below 1, which suggests that the soil in the area has mild contamination of heavy metals. Pollution load index of the area has been found to be 0.166, which again suggests a Low level of deterioration of the study area due to heavy metals.