Abstract
This paper assesses the concentrations of Heavy Metals (HMs) to evaluate their potential risk to soil pollution in a cultivation area in the Nile Valley (Minia Governorate) with decades of intensive farming. 159 soil profiles samples were analyzed for essential trace constituents (B, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) and toxic heavy elements (As, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Pb, and Se). The metal pollution index MPI was applied to assess the mobile forms and total content of HMs in all profiles' layers. Geostatistical models were applied to identify the sources and hotspots of accumulated HMs in the studied soil. The results revealed that the contamination by accumulated HMs is due to anthropogenic activities from industry and sewage irrigation, which indicated that the high content of HMs in the soil is not from geogenic sources. HMs concentrations are higher in the southern part of the area compared to the middle portion, while the northern part's soil had the lowest concentrations. Uncontrolled surface or flash irrigation is a likely cause of leaching of HMs to sublayers of soil. The compline GIS map of MPI indicated that highly effected portions are affected by El Moheet drainage water from the Abu Qurqas sugar factory. This work raises the need to develop strategies and policies to prevent widespread HMs soil contamination in the area. This study confirms the need to install filters and water purification systems on the openings of sugar factories in Minia and consequently, all the factories on the Nile River and all canals used for irrigation.