Spatial Distribution and Source Routes Identification for Arsenic in Soil at Coal Fired Industrial Area, Using Regression Analysis and CMB8

Abstract

Aims: To identify the specific routes of arsenic contamination in the soil at coal fired industrial area by using Chemical Mass Balance (CMB8). Study Design: The prime objectives of the study are: 1.     Measuring the chemical composition of soil at different distance from the industrial site. 2.     Analyzing the relation between arsenic concentration with distance. 3.     Carryout apportionment of arsenic in soil by using Chemical Mass Balance (CMB). Place and Duration of Study: The study has been conducted in North India industrial area from 2010 to 2011 for one hydrological year. Methodology: As per the objectives of the study we have collected the soil by using space time frame work. We have classified entire site as near site (~1km) (receptor 1), near far site (~ 2-2.5km) (receptor 2) and far site (~ 2.5-5km) (receptor 3). The soil has been collected vertically at 15cm and 45 cm depth from surface at all receptors. In case of sampling at paved road (S-5) we collect 1kg of road soil by digging road, we have collected 1kg soil sample from municipal waste dumping source (S-3) and civil construction source (S-4). As far as vehicle exhaust source (S-2) chemical profile concern black smoky depositions in automobile exhaust silencers of diesel fuel based heavy duty trucks and petrol based cars have been collected and scum were mixed together for development of chemical profile. Results: The results shown that the clay particles size (<2 µm) ranged from 2.6- 18.4 g/kg with a mean value of 12.4 g/kg at source sites and at receptor site the ranges is 19.5-67.4 g/kg with the mean value of 44.8 g/kg. The PH values are generally sub alkaline. The content of TOC at source sites in the soil ranged between3.8-64.8 g/kg with higher mean value at S-4, and at the same time at the receptor site it has the range of 6.3-21.8 g/kg with higher mean value at R-3.  Conclusion: It has been found that the point and area sources have sown the dominating contribution of arsenic contamination in soil.