Evaluation of Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic) in Soils of Bordering Zones to Mines of the State of Zacatecas

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the presence of heavy metals specifically arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in soils near mining areas in the state of Zacatecas using ICP atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Heavy metals occur in ecosystems at varying concentrations; centuries of mining, industrial activity, and smelting constitute the primary anthropogenic sources of these metals, potentially disrupting the balance of environmental systems. Upon reaching high concentrations in water, soil, and air, these metals impact human health (Kochubovski, 2011; López et al., 2010) and accumulate in organisms such as plants and animals, thereby altering the human food chain and causing skin disorders or diseases, liver damage, and neurological conditions (Adriano, 2001). Lead (Pb), whether ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, is toxic to living organisms in general. The concentrations of the analyzed metals (As, Cd, Pb) were determined using the ICP method. It was found that Pb concentrations in the soil exceeded the limits established by current Mexican Official Standards (NOM). The study results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Tukey's mean comparison test at a 95% confidence level, indicating statistical significance. This study reports beyond those allowed by the government of Mexico NOM, As, Cd and Pb, as shown above heavy metal accumulation in soils of mining areas or in areas close to the populations affecting the welfare of the inhabitants, or to be taken a package of mining companies, in order to achieve clean production and improve their remediation goals, thus helping the environment, consequently the safety of humanity