Evaluation of polluting industries effects on soil heavy metals (Case Study: Ilam Cement Factory)

Nowadays, environmental pollution with heavy metals has become a global issue. Heavy metals can enter the environment through human and natural resources. Soil can hold environmental pollution and these pollutants can be checked by chemical analysis. The purpose of this field survey is assessment of soil pollution by heavy metals around Ilam Cement factory. In this regard, a total of 20 soil samples taken in different directions and the concentration of Zinc, Cobalt, Manganese, Molybdenum, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Chromium and Nickel in soil samples was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. In order to better understand about distribution of heavy metals, Geoaccumulation Index, Contamination Factor, modified Contamination Degree, Pollution Load Index methods applied. Results showed that although the concentration of all of heavy metals in the study area is less than standard but the correlation coefficient (R2) of elements in different directions show that the highest correlation coefficient for elements is in the North West direction of study area which is in agreement with main winds direction in the region. So wind direction is effective in elements distribution and their concentration decreased with distance from the factory.