Utilising pollution indices and spatial interpolation for the analysis of soil pollution risk

Monitoring soil pollution is essential for safeguarding human health and maintaining ecosystem functioning, particularly in regions impacted by industrial activities. This study emphasises the importance of identifying and assessing soil contamination by heavy metals. These can have serious implications for yields and the nutritional quality of crops and can lead to land degradation. The study looks at two methods of pollution monitoring. First, pollution indices, such as the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf) and degree of contamination (Cdeg) indexes, can be used to determine contamination and risk of this via classification. Second, spatial interpolation using GIS with inverse distance weighting (IDW), offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the spatial distribution of pollutants. These methods are crucial for informing risk assessments, guiding remediation efforts and ensuring that land use practices do not pose a threat to public health or the environment. Continued monitoring and application of advanced analytical techniques are imperative for effective pollution management and sustainable development.