Investigation of heavy metal contents in soils around of Afşin-Elbistan thermal power plant and determination of pollution levels

The Elbistan plain is affected by ash and volatiles produced by coal combustion at the Afşin-Elbistan Thermal Power Station. Ash and particules formed as a result of coal burning affect the Elbistan plain. Fly ash contains elements such as As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, Mo, Sb, Zn, Al, Fe. For this purpose, heavy metal contents of soils were investigated. Soil samples were taken from Afşin-Elbistan Thermal Power Plant and As, Cu, Hg, Zn, Fe, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Al, Co and Pb element analyzes were performed by atomic absorption spectrometer device. Enrichment Factor (EF), Pollution Factor (CF) and Geological Accumulation Index (lgeo) were calculated. According to the Enrichment Factor, showed the moderate enrichment for Cu and Co element, significant enrichment for Ni and Cd elements. According to the Pollution Factor, moderate contamination for Cu, significant contamination for Co and excessive contamination for Cd and Ni were determined. According to the Geological Accumulation Index, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe and Al elements are classified as highly contaminated, very-highly contaminated for As and Cr.