Heavy metals in soils: Distribution, forms, bioavailability and their impacts on soil biota (Uzbekistan, Angren-Almalik mining industrial area) (original) (raw)

AI-generated Abstract

The study focuses on the distribution, forms, and impacts of heavy metals in soils within the Angren-Almalik mining industrial area of Uzbekistan, affected by emissions from coal burning and metal processing. Analyzing soil samples revealed significant contamination levels, particularly of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, and As, linked to anthropogenic sources, while Cr, Ni, and Co were related to lithogenic origins. The research further examines the detrimental effects of these metals on soil microbial and nematode populations, highlighting the importance of background environmental data for understanding soil biota responses and the potential of these findings for environmental monitoring and bioremediation efforts.