Environ Geochem Health. 2026 Jan 24;48(3):113. doi: 10.1007/s10653-026-02998-z.
ABSTRACT
This study assesses the spatial variation, sources, and environmental and ecological risks of heavy metal and metalloid pollution in the surface soil of the Singrauli coal mine area, Madhya Pradesh, India. It analyses the intensity of pollution through the major pollution indices. Composite soil samples were collected from 14 sampling locations using the quartering method. Collected samples were digested and analysed for 14 elements by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentration of these elements is used to compute 7 pollution Indices to determine the severity of pollution in the study area. Multivariate statistical analysis was conducted to identify the sources and processes contributing to metal pollution in the study area. The abundance of elements followed the order: Fe > Al > Mn >Ba > Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co > B > As > Ag > Cd. The concentration of Cd (0.43 ± 0.18 mg/kg), Pb (15.73 ± 10.48 mg/kg), and Zn (83.00 ± 53.55 mg/kg) exceeded the mean USEPA recommended concentration for soil. The geo-accumulation Index showed a positive value for Pb (Igeo = 1.52). The enrichment factor showed a high enrichment for Mn, Cu, As, and Cd. Mean Contamination Factor values ranged between 0.03 (Ag) and 4.77 (Cd). Nemerow pollution index (NPI) values ranged from 1.08 to 5.67, suggesting slight to heavy pollution. The enrichment factor for Cd fell in a very high-risk zone (Er > 120). The potential risk index (PERI) across sites ranged from 47.46 to 275.07, suggesting a low to moderate ecological risk. Mean ERM quotient (MERMQ) values indicated the potential soil toxicity in the study area. The global implications of studying heavy metal pollution in soil, especially around coal mining areas, are widespread and impact various aspects of the environment, viz., sustainability, scientific research, agricultural productivity, human health and socio-economic development worldwide. This issue is recognised globally as a significant environmental problem that requires urgent global attention.
PMID:41579234 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-026-02998-z
