CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON SOIL HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION

Abstract

Soil contamination by heavy metals has become a severe environmental issue in the world due to rapid development of urbanisation, industrial, mining, agricultural and natural processes, and chemical compounds. Reliable and quality results quantify the adverse effects of these factors. A precise and cost-efficient study depends on adequate background research, a well-planned sampling design and strategy, quality data, appropriate selection and implementation of analytical techniques and investigation. The investigation methods for heavy metal soil or land contaminations drive decision making and remediation which is very expensive. Therefore, this study offers comprehensive and comparative review on data organisation and treatment; guidelines, legislation of heavy metals; data analysis and investigation methods. The primary objectives of the review are to discuss the various stages involved in the investigation of heavy metals/land for site engineers and environmental scientists. Data analysis methods include exploring contamination indices, statistical and multivariate statistical analysis methods, interpolation techniques, geostatistical estimation, simulation, and combined methods. Strengths, weaknesses and the application scopes of these methods and the resulting models used are critical for success in environmental modelling.