Journal of Environmental Science Studies

Journal of Environmental Science Studies

Comprehensive assessment of pollution indicators in agricultural soils around the Zayandeh Rood River in Isfahan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
nasrin Gharahi 1
Mohammad Mehdi Fathian 2
Ali jafari 1
Mohsen Bahmani 3
1 Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
2 Master's degree student, Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
3 Department of Natural Resources and Earth Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
10.22034/jess.2025.553403.2415
Abstract
Introduction

Heavy metals in soil are known as a very important pollutant and can be absorbed by plants and enter the food chain or by entering surface and underground water resources, they endanger the health and life of living organisms. Heavy metals are stable and accumulated in nature and if combined with organic and inorganic soil materials, they can enter the food chain. Then they penetrate the human body through food. Heavy metals can be absorbed into the human body through inhalation, skin contact, or direct ingestion. This study aimed to investigate the concentration of heavy metals in 108 soil samples from agricultural lands around the Zayandeh Rud River in Isfahan.

Materials and methods
The study area includes agricultural areas adjacent to the Zayandeh Rud River in Isfahan in the Sajzi and Gavkhoni foothill plains. Soil sampling was carried out from at least 108 points of river sediments in the downstream area of agricultural lands in the Sajzi-Gavkhoni-Kuhpayeh plains. The results of the experiment and comparison of the results of the element analysis were analyzed using Excel and SPSS software. One of the common methods for quantifying soil pollution is the use of environmental indices. In this study, soil pollution was evaluated using pollution indices including: enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, pollution factor and ecological risk.
Results and discussion
The average geochemical index for 5 metals was measured as 0.126, which is in class 1, i.e. non-polluted. The average ecological risk index for 5 metals measured was calculated as 13.925. Which is less than 40 and indicates low ecological risk. The average pollution coefficient index for 5 metals measured was calculated as 2.0235. Which indicates medium pollution coefficient index. The average enrichment coefficient index for 5 metals measured was calculated as 2.242. The results showed that in all the samples studied, the level of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils around the river is not in most cases of a serious concern. Except for the enrichment factor, which requires further measures and investigations. Continued monitoring of soil quality as well as assessment of the environmental impacts of agricultural and industrial activities in this area seems essential to preserve the ecosystem and soil health. This study can serve as a basis for future research in the field of soil contamination management in agricultural areas. Interpretation of the results of environmental indicators showed that continuous monitoring and monitoring of changes in the concentration of these elements in the studied soils is essential to preserve production resources and achieve food security.


Conclusion
Overall, the concerning nature of these results, coupled with the limitations of the data, suggests that neglecting other sources of pollution – such as contamination from organic matter and pesticides used in agriculture – could lead to further problems. Furthermore, the absence of severe heavy metal contamination should not result in neglecting optimal soil and water management in the region. Ultimately, although heavy metal contamination is not currently a major concern, continued monitoring and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices remain essential to prevent future environmental issues.
Introduction

Heavy metals in soil are known as a very important pollutant and can be absorbed by plants and enter the food chain or by entering surface and underground water resources, they endanger the health and life of living organisms. Heavy metals are stable and accumulated in nature and if combined with organic and inorganic soil materials, they can enter the food chain. Then they penetrate the human body through food. Heavy metals can be absorbed into the human body through inhalation, skin contact, or direct ingestion. This study aimed to investigate the concentration of heavy metals in 108 soil samples from agricultural lands around the Zayandeh Rud River in Isfahan.

Materials and methods
The study area includes agricultural areas adjacent to the Zayandeh Rud River in Isfahan in the Sajzi and Gavkhoni foothill plains. Soil sampling was carried out from at least 108 points of river sediments in the downstream area of agricultural lands in the Sajzi-Gavkhoni-Kuhpayeh plains. The results of the experiment and comparison of the results of the element analysis were analyzed using Excel and SPSS software. One of the common methods for quantifying soil pollution is the use of environmental indices. In this study, soil pollution was evaluated using pollution indices including: enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, pollution factor and ecological risk.
Results and discussion
The average geochemical index for 5 metals was measured as 0.126, which is in class 1, i.e. non-polluted. The average ecological risk index for 5 metals measured was calculated as 13.925. Which is less than 40 and indicates low ecological risk. The average pollution coefficient index for 5 metals measured was calculated as 2.0235. Which indicates medium pollution coefficient index. The average enrichment coefficient index for 5 metals measured was calculated as 2.242. The results showed that in all the samples studied, the level of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils around the river is not in most cases of a serious concern. Except for the enrichment factor, which requires further measures and investigations. Continued monitoring of soil quality as well as assessment of the environmental impacts of agricultural and industrial activities in this area seems essential to preserve the ecosystem and soil health. This study can serve as a basis for future research in the field of soil contamination management in agricultural areas. Interpretation of the results of environmental indicators showed that continuous monitoring and monitoring of changes in the concentration of these elements in the studied soils is essential to preserve production resources and achieve food security.


Conclusion
Overall, the concerning nature of these results, coupled with the limitations of the data, suggests that neglecting other sources of pollution – such as contamination from organic matter and pesticides used in agriculture – could lead to further problems. Furthermore, the absence of severe heavy metal contamination should not result in neglecting optimal soil and water management in the region. Ultimately, although heavy metal contamination is not currently a major concern, continued monitoring and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices remain essential to prevent future environmental issues.
Keywords
Pollution
heavy metals
enrichment factor
ecological risk
pollution factor
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Journal of Environmental Science Studies
Volume 10, Issue 4
Winter 2026
Pages 10836-10847