Heavy metals concentration in agricultural soils around the metallurgic Elbasan, Albania

The main aim of this study is to determine the levels of soil pollution with heavy metals near the former metallurgical plant in Elbasan, Albania. In this study, 10 soil samples are collected at a depth of 0-30 cm and analyzed at the Agricultural Technology Transfer Center Fushë Kruje, between April 2017 and November 2017. The pH of the soil was determined by glass electrode pH meter using soil water suspension (2:1). The heavy metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Observed results showed that heavy metals chromium, nickel and cobalt ranged from 566.76 mg/kg ± 50.02, 478.57 mg/kg ± 33.19 and 30.11 mg/kg ± 3.30, respectively, or 4 times higher than EU standards for Ni and Cr. Furthermore, the I-geo index reveals that the sites were either moderately polluted or polluted by chromium, nickel and cobalt. Similarly, contamination factor CF indicates that the sites are moderately contaminated. Pollution degree determined for chromium, nickel and cobalt metals, 12 ≤Cd <24 was classified as a significant degree of contamination. Based on the results, it was found that the concentration of these elements in the analyzed samples is largely high with trend Cr> Ni> Co therefore it is recommended to use the hyper cumulative plant for the decontamination of agricultural land. Public awareness of the negative effects of heavy metals on human health as part of the chain’s food.