Ecological assessment of the content of heavy metals and arsenic in the soils of the forest-steppe zone of the Omsk region, Russia

Omsk State Agrarian University named After p. A. Stolypin, 644008, 1, Institute sq, Omsk, Russia

^* Corresponding author: nn.zharkova@omgau.org

Abstract

The accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) and arsenic in soils poses a direct threat to soil biota and ecosystem health due to their toxicity and potential for transfer through the food chain. In this study, an ecological risk assessment was conducted for biota in forest-steppe soils of Western Siberia. Engineering-ecological surveys allow estimating the current state and making a forecast of possible changes of environmental objects to prevent, minimize or eliminate harmful and undesirable environmental and other consequences. The purpose of this study is to conduct an environmental assessment of the content of heavy metals and arsenic in the soils of Tyukalinsky, Zyvaevsky and Omsk districts of the Omsk region. The research was conducted during 2019-2024. The soil samples were used to determine the gross content of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni by the atomic absorption method, Hg – flameless atomic absorption method, As – photometric method. The degree of contamination of soils with heavy metals was determined by comparing the concentrations of the elements under study with regulatory and background values. Comprehensive assessment of the degree of contamination of soils with heavy metals was carried out with the help of Zc (total soil contamination index). It was established that soil samples taken in the areas where the research was conducted meet the requirements of hygienic standards. The value of the total pollution index Zc soils ˂ 16, which indicates an acceptable level of contamination and the possibility of using these soils without restrictions, excluding objects of high risk. Thus, during the course of the conducted research, recommendations were given for the first time on the use of soil cover in developed areas in order to reduce the negative impact. The study results provide a crucial baseline for monitoring the biological integrity of this vital ecosystem.