Heavy Metal Concentration and Physico-Chemical Parameters in Koder Kamza Soils

This study aims to provide information on some physicochemical parameters and some heavy metals concentration in Koder Kamza soils. The sample was taken in 0-30 cm depth. Characterization of soil parameters included moisture content, particle size, electrical conductivity, pH, iron (Fe), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni) lead (Pb), zinc (Zn). Particle size analysis was determined via the hydrometer method of Bouyoucous (1951); EC and TDS were determined by using Conductivity meter Cond 7110; soil pH was measured electrometrically with a glass electrode pH meter Sartorius Basic Meter PB- 11; the concentrations of Fe and heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Co, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). N and P total presence in the soil were determined by colorimetric method, total K was determined by Flame Photometer Models PFP7. Total carbon (C) and total organic matter (OM) were also determined by modified Walkley and Black method. Moisture content results ranged from 4.35% to 4.38%, the values of soil pH ranged from 6.33 to 6.52, i.e. within the range for optimal growth of plants, total carbon ranged between 1.16 and 1.17%, total organic matter content between 2 and 2.02 %, an electrical conductivity between 75.6 and 93.5μS/cm. The texture resulted to be sandy loam with average composition of 61.83 % sand, 21.77 % silt and 16.4 % clay. Nitrogen 0.13 and 0.14 % is slightly higher than that of the control soil. Phosphorus 0.09 and 0.1% contents were low and high respectively. Total concentration of Fe ranged between 3083.07-3263.10 mg/kg. Cd and Cu was found in lower levels ( 0.001 mg/kg dry soil). Total concentration Co, Ni, Pb and Zn ranged between 8.41-16.45, 28.65-28.69, 109.29-121.06, 12.9-13.7mg/kg dry soil and were all below the recommended limits by the European Community. In conclusion, this study serves as baseline data toward future ecological studies and normal plant cultivation.