Identification of lead concentration in soil samples

Abstract

Lead is widely used in industry for building construction, lead-acid batteries, bullets, shot, etc. Lead poisoning is an important environmental pollutant that can have life-long adverse health effects. Lead causes symptoms ranging from the loss of neurological function to death depending upon the extent and duration of exposure. The current study reports the determination of lead concentration in soil samples, distribution of lead on the surface and its penetration in the profile of soils. For this purpose 21 sampling points at a distance 80-600 m around Former Factory Production of Batteries to Berat, Albania were selected. Soil samples (surface and profile) were collected, and were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for their lead content. The concentration ranges of lead in soil samples collected at different points are compared with the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) specified by the Directive 86/278/EEC. From results obtained the fraction of lead in surface soil samples were in range: 126 mg/kg-24207 mg/kg. Hazardous Quoted (HQ) for each point sampling was calculated. The level of lead in the profile of worked soil samples, in the depth 20-30 cm has decreased compared to the concentration of lead concentration in surface soil samples.