THE ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL RISK AND THE POLLUTION OF HEAVY METALS IN AGRICULTURAL SOILS NEAR AN INDUSTRIAL AREA ELHADJAR - ANNABA - ALGERIA

The aim of the study was to assess the risk of soil contamination, as well as the accumulation and distribution patterns of heavy metals in each soil profile in Annaba, northeastern Algeria. The study also aimed to calculate the ecological risk index and determine the degree of pollution in agricultural soils.The results showed that the soil pH was slightly neutral to alkaline, and the metal concentrations were within safe limits. The four indices used in the study, namely (Cf), (Er), (Igeo), and (RI), indicated that the mean Er values for the four metals were all under 40. This suggests a relatively low danger level for these metals in the soil, indicating that the soil in the study area is not severely contaminated with toxic metals. However, a correlation analysis revealed that some heavy metals had a significant relationship with pH, indicating that the neutral to alkaline pH levels in the agricultural soils may have contributed to the mobility of heavy metals and their availability for uptake by crops. Overall, the study provides valuable information for policymakers and researchers interested in assessing the potential risks associated with heavy metal accumulation in agricultural soils in Annaba, Algeria. The study's findings suggest that ongoing monitoring of soil quality and the potential impact of heavy metal accumulation to protect soil quality.