GIS BASED STUDY OF HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION IN SOIL OF BADIN DISTRICT, SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

The study on the heavy metal concentrations resulting in generating the GIS based maps for the soil at various locations in the Badin district of Sindh, Pakistan was conducted. Twenty soil samples were collected at different scale from study area. samples were analyzed for Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), and Cobalt (Co) concentrations, and then results were plotted on maps using ArcGIS. For data interpretation and raster map creation, the Spatial Analyst Tool in ArcGIS 10.5 desktop software was used. The soil data conceded that contamination of all selected metals is showing high concentration except chromium in study area. The source of contamination in study area could be industrial activities, agricultural and domestic waste, The higher concentration of the reported heavy metals in the soil affect the agriculture sector in particular and whole the ecosystem in general.prior to carry the agricultural activities in the region selective crops be determined that could bring balance to these contaminants in the soil as well as the measures be taken to control the contamination sources such as industrial and municipal waste management and prior to immediate action should be taken to keep a balance in the Eco-biodiversity.