Heavy metal content, origin, spacious analysis and pollution indices of the soil structure in the region of the Demre/Antalya irregular solid waste storage facility

This study aims to investigate the heavy metal contents, origins, spatial distributions and pollution indexes in the soil structure of the Demre Irregular Solid Waste Landfill Facility. The presence of heavy metals in soil can have detrimental effects on both environmental quality and human health. Therefore, understanding the pollution levels of heavy metals is crucial for effective soil management and remediation strategies. To achieve this goal, soil samples were collected from 21 different locations within the study area. Concentrations of key heavy metals, including Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) was analysed using state-of-the-art laboratory techniques. The results revealed significant differences in heavy metal concentrations across sampled locations, indicating spatial heterogeneity in pollution levels. Spots with high metal concentrations are indicative of local pollution sources. Heavy metal sources were explored through statistical analyses and geochemical assessments, including enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulative index (Igeo). Pollution indexes such as pollution load index (PLI) and contamination factor and degree were calculated to assess the overall pollution status. The obtained pollution indices indicate varying degrees of pollution in different areas of the region, highlighting the need for targeted remediation measures in highly polluted areas. In addition, this study improves our understanding of the soil structure of the Demre Irregular Solid Waste Landfill Facility. The findings add to our current knowledge of soil pollution. It provided valuable information for local authorities, environmental planners and stakeholders involved in soil management and environmental protection. Effective implementation of the results can help develop sustainable soil management strategies and protect the environment and human health in the region.