Heavy Metals in Urban Soils of the Yamal Region

Soil chemical properties are essential for the functioning of soils in the polar biome. This study aimed to study the concentrations of heavy metals in urban soils of Harsaim, Aksarka, Salekhard, Harp and Labytnangi. At 12 sites 23 soil samples were collected at depths of 0–5 cm and 5–20 cm. Heavy metals were detected with X-ray fluorescent analyzer “Spectroscan-MAX”. The values obtained were compared with the Approxible Permissible Concentrations and Maximum Allowable Concentrations adopted in Russia. The study of soil samples from different settlements let to reveal the characteristic features of soil contamination of individual settlements with heavy metals to compare them with each other. The vast majority of samples are characterized by excess of Maximum Allowable Concentrations for arsenic, which should indicate a high regional background of this element. For a more adequate assessment of the levels of total soil contamination (Saet’s index) Zc during its calculation it was used not only average arithmetic values of coefficient of concentration (Kk), but also its average geometric values. Most of the soil samples are characterized by non-hazardous levels of total soil contamination. The study showed a statistically significant difference in content of heavy metals for the 0–20 cm layer of the soils for three elements (Cu, Zn, Ni).