Heavy Metal Enrichment and Soil Quality in Urban Waste Disposal Areas: Case Study of Padegaon, Chh. Sambhajinagar (MS).

Abstract

Introduction: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) faces increasing environmental stress due to rapid urbanization and unscientific municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal. The Padegaon dumping site, surrounded by residential settlements, has become a hotspot of pollution. Continuous waste accumulation and improper handling have raised concerns about soil and groundwater quality. This study investigates soil contamination during the 2023 monsoon season with a focus on nutrient imbalance and heavy metal enrichment.

Objectives: The study aims to assess the soil quality in and around the Padegaon dumping site by analyzing both essential nutrients and toxic heavy metals. It seeks to determine contamination levels, compare them with BIS standards, and evaluate their potential risks to agriculture, environment, and public health.

Methods: Five soil samples were collected from different locations near the Padegaon dumping yard using auger sampling at a depth of six inches. Samples were analyzed in a NABL-accredited laboratory for Potassium (K₂O), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Lead (Pb). Analytical techniques included ICP-OES with standard FAO and EPA protocols. The results were statistically compared against BIS permissible limits.

Results: The analysis showed elevated potassium levels, far exceeding the BIS safe limit, indicating nutrient imbalance likely from waste deposition or fertilizer runoff. Heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, and lead also crossed permissible thresholds, highlighting severe anthropogenic contamination. While copper, iron, zinc, and manganese were within safe ranges, their high variability across sites reflected localized pollution hotspots. The contamination pattern revealed heterogeneity linked to unregulated dumping practices.

Conclusions: The study provides strong evidence of heavy metal enrichment and nutrient imbalance in soils around the Padegaon dumping site. Cadmium, chromium, and lead levels represent serious ecological and health hazards due to their toxicity and persistence. Elevated potassium further indicates soil quality degradation. These findings underline the urgent need for scientific waste management, remediation measures, and continuous environmental monitoring to safeguard soil fertility, groundwater quality, and community health.