Ecological and hygienic assessment of soils of the Vladimir region for the content of heavy metals and arsenic

Introduction. The paper presents the results of a study of environmental and hygienic assessment of soils in urban administrative centers of the Vladimir region for the content of heavy metals and arsenic.
Materials and methods. The object of research is the upper horizons of urban soils in eighteen administrative centers of the Vladimir region. Soil samples were taken in the summer of 2022-2023 in various functional zones of cities. The soil cover was studied using the X-ray fluorescence method to determine the content of heavy metals and arsenic.
Results. The maximum, minimum, and median values ​​of concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic in the soils of the administrative centers of the region were established. Soil contamination with heavy metals and arsenic across cities is characterized by significant differentiation. The highest concentrations of pollutants were recorded in urban soils of industrial zones, the minimum – in landscape and recreational zones. The priority soil pollutants in the cities of the Vladimir region are As and Pb. The maximum values ​​of the total indicator of soil pollution were identified in such cities as Gus-Khrustalny, Kovrov, Melenki, which makes it possible to classify them as extremely dangerous. The city of Suzdal turned out to be the most favourable in terms of soil pollution, positioned primarily as a historical and tourist center, in which there are practically no industrial enterprises.
Limitations. The calculation methodology, which is focused on soil types and their granulometric composition, which differ in different administrative centers.
Conclusion. An assessment of the contamination level of urban soils in the administrative centers of the Vladimir region in terms of the content of heavy metals and arsenic showed the majority of the urban population to live in an area with soils of a moderately hazardous and permissible category. The maximum values ​​of the total indicator of soil pollution are associated, first of all, with abnormal local technogenic chemical pollution caused by the activities and specifics of industrial enterprises using heavy metal compounds in technological processes. The likelihood of high risks to public health and the environment of the urban space of the administrative centers of the Vladimir region determines the need to manage constant environmental and hygienic monitoring of their soil cover, since soil pollution may result in a deterioration in the safety and comfort of the living environment of urban residents.

Vladimir region, soils of administrative centers, soil pollution, heavy metals, arsenic, lead