Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals contaminated mining sites of eastern india using soil and moss

The blooming industrialization and urbanization is leading to increased mining operations. These intensified mining activities emit heavy metals into the environment, posing serious threats to ecosystems. Hence, this study focused on assessing heavy metal pollution in mining soil, utilizing mosses as bioindicators. The ecological risk, geo-accumulation factor, and contamination factor have been calculated to know the harmful effect of heavy metals on ecosystem. The study covered three distinct mining sites of eastern India within Odisha: Jajpur’s Sukinda Valley (SP1, Cr), Keonjhar’s Joda-Barbil (SP2, Fe and Mn), and Sundargarh’s Koira-Joda (SP3, Fe). The collection of 48 soil samples through random sampling revealed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations. SP1 recorded Cr concentration of 6572 ± 445 mg/kg and Ni of 8042.47 ± 501.38 mg/kg, surpassing eco-toxicological levels. The storage site in SP2 exhibited the highest Fe concentration at 9872 ± 502 mg/kg, and Mn levels in SP3 were at 7884 ± 432 mg/kg. Storage areas in all three regions held the highest concentrations of heavy metals. Mosses in studied area demonstrated as potential bioindicators for monitoring heavy metal pollution. EF and I geo assessments showed Cd, Pb, Hg, and other heavy metal contamination compared to earlier investigations. This study indicated higher ecological risks for Pb, As, Cu, Ni, and Zn. The Hyophila involuta accumulates Mn, Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Hg, while Barbula arcuata accumulates Mn, As, and Cu in SP1. Hyophila involuta and Trematodon longicollis accumulate Mn, Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe, Hg, and Zn in SP2. Trematodon ambiguous accumulates Cd, Fe, and Ni, while Fissidens diversifolius accumulates Mn, Cr, Hg, As, Cu, and Zn in SP3. These findings emphasize the necessity of monitoring heavy metal pollution in contaminated zones using moss as a potential bioindicator.