Assessment of Heavy Metals Accumulation in Soil and Native Plants in an Industrial Environment, Saudi Arabia

Saud S. Aloud, Khaled D. Alotaibi, Khalid F. Almutairi and Fahad N. Albarakah
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Saud S. Aloud: Soil Science Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
Khaled D. Alotaibi: Soil Science Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
Khalid F. Almutairi: Plant Production Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
Fahad N. Albarakah: Soil Science Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: Industrial activities are associated with various heavy metals (HMs) being emitted into the environment, which may pose a threat to humans and animals. The rapid increase in an industrial activity in major cities in Saudi Arabia (SA) has raised concerns regarding the accumulation of HMs in the environment. The aim of this study is to assess the accumulation of HMs in soil and native plants in an industrial environment. We collected 36 surface soil samples and 12 plant species from 12 sites in an industrial city in central SA. The results showed that the HMs content in the soil followed a descending order of (Fe > Ni > Zn > Pb > Cu> Cr > Cd). The enrichment factor (EF) of HMs in the soil ranged from 0.20 to 7336. Up to 100%, 16.6%, and 6.2% of soil samples were extremely highly enriched with Cd, Ni, and Pb, respectively. Plant species Cyperus laevigatus accumulate Cd, Pb, and Ni. Citrullus colocynthis accumulate Cd and Pb in significantly ( p < 0.001) higher amounts than other studied species. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) values for the 12 sites ranged from 0.52–1.33 with S5 and S2 PLI >1.0 indicating progressive deterioration of these sites. The Bioaccumulation Factor (BF) ranged from 0.04–2.76 and revealed that some plant species may be candidates for phytoextraction potential. The most promising plant species for phytoextraction and remediation were annuals or perennials such as Malva parviflora, Sisymbrium irio and Citrullus colocynthis, especially for Cr and Cu. This study suggests that these native plant species may be useful for phytoremediation in the area.

Keywords: industrial environment; heavy metal pollution; pollution assessment; native plants; phytoremediation; bioaccumulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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