Chemical pollutants in the soil of Novi Pazar and ecological risk assessment

Abstract

Soil pollution by chemical pollutants poses a critical threat to environmental quality and human health. This study investigates the concentration, composition and spatial distribution of selected chemical pollutants - including heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Hg, Zn) and organic matter in urban soil of the city of Novi Pazar. Its analysis is based on data collected by the Environmental Protection Agency of the Republic of Serbia (SEPA), during year of 2023. Sampling was carried out at 7 representative locations (city park, recreation center, kindergartens, water supply source, industrial zone) at a depth of 50 cm. The results obtained were compared with the normative limit values ​​for Serbia, and it was determined that the concentrations of heavy metals in some locations exceeded the limit values. This especially applies to Pb and Ni. The research confirms that the soil in Novi Pazar is under moderate anthropogenic pressure. Risk assessment based on international soil quality guidelines indicates potential ecological and health hazards. These findings highlight the need for continuous soil monitoring and stricter regulatory controls to mitigate pollutant accumulation and safeguard soil ecosystem.