ABSTRACT
Potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in surface soils pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity. This study focuses on the source apportionment of PTMs in surface soils from the study area, using a combination of statistical and geochemical methods to evaluate contamination levels, identify sources, and assess potential environmental risks. Soil samples were collected from various locations, including control sites, and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Pollution indices such as the Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and GeoAccumulation Index (Igeo) were applied to assess contamination levels. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis were employed to identify the potential sources of heavy metal pollution. The results indicate that cadmium (Cd) exhibits moderate contamination levels, exceeding established environmental standards in certain locations, suggesting anthropogenic contributions. Other metals, such as iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), were primarily of geogenic origin, while lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) showed strong links to industrial emissions, vehicular activities, and agricultural inputs. The correlation and cluster analyses further confirmed the dual influence of natural and human-induced sources on heavy metal distribution in the study area.The study concludes that anthropogenic activities, including industrial discharges, vehicular emissions, and agricultural practices, significantly contribute to heavy metal contamination in surface soils. The findings underscore the need for continuous environmental monitoring, stricter regulatory policies, and the adoption of remediation strategies to mitigate heavy metal pollution and safeguard environmental and human health.
