Assessment of Soil Quality and Heavy-Metal Contamination in Agricultural Lands Near Orathupalayam Dam, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Soil degradation by imbalanced nutrient levels and heavy metal accumulation poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity and ecosystem health. This study evaluates the soil quality and heavy metal contamination in agricultural lands near Orathupalayam Dam, Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, India. Soil samples were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Contamination levels were assessed using the Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Heavy metal pollution index (HPI), Contamination factor (CF), and Pollution load index (PLI).  The soils were alkaline, with low organic carbon and manganese but elevated macronutrients (N, P, K).and the concentrations of heavy metals were 1.35±0.16 mg/kg for Cd, 20.03±1.07 mg/kg for Cr, 14.45±0.50mg/kg for Pb, 37.7±1.15mg/kg for Ni, and 36.18±2.26 mg/kg for Zn. Cd and Ni are identified as moderate-level pollutants, while Zn, Cr, and Pb are the baseline pollutants. This study provides a comprehensive account of heavy metal pollution, highlighting the potential risks to crop safety and human health. The findings underscore the need for targeted mitigation strategies and sustainable agricultural practices to reduce heavy metal contamination and improve soil health.