Evaluation of Soil Contamination with Industrial Waste Effluent in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Currently, in Saudi Arabia, wastewater production has increased manifolds due to onset of mega projects. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the soil contamination due to land disposal of industrial waste effluents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Soil and water samples were collected from different depth and distances from the wastewater pond. Soil and water samples were analyzed for physical and chemical contents. The regression and other statistically techniques were applied for data analysis. RESULTS: Soil texture was sandy loam to sandy clay loam and was calcareous. Soil salinity was 80.3 dS m-1 near the pond and was normal after 100 m from the pond. Among the various heavy metals Cr showed more mobility than As and Mo. CONCLUSION: Soil was sandy loam to sandy clay loam containing gravels between 29.2-43.6% and was calcareous. Soil salinity was 80.3 and 3.2 dS m-1 near the pond and at 100 m distance, respectively. The mobility index of Cr was high followed by As and Mo in descending order.