Article

Multi-index geochemical assessment of urban soil contamination under technogenic pressure

Olga Mislyuk, Oksana Yegorova, Olena Khomenko, Oleksandr Loboda
Abstract

Soil contamination with heavy metals is becoming an increasingly serious problem worldwide. For this reason, a comprehensive quantitative assessment of the quality status of urban soils under technogenic pressure is important for understanding contamination patterns and potential ecological risks. The aim of this study was to conduct a spatiotemporal analysis of heavy metal contents and assess their impact on the urban soils of Cherkasy, as well as to identify sources of contamination for informed management decisions. Risk assessment was carried out using a multi-index geochemical approach, employing single-factor indices (geoaccumulation index Igeo, pollution index PI, ecological risk index Er) and composite indices (pollution load index PLI, Nemerow index, and potential ecological risk index RI). Statistical correlation analysis was used to identify probable sources of contamination. The analysis revealed significant spatial variations in metal concentrations. The coefficient of variation (CV) for Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd was high (51% < CV ≤ 100%) across different sites, indicating strong spatial heterogeneity. In contrast, Ni showed moderate variation (21% < CV ≤ 50%), suggesting a natural-anthropogenic origin in the soil. A strong correlation between Pb and Cu indicated shared sources of pollution, likely from thermal power plants, paint and electrical manufacturing enterprises, and motor transport. High correlation coefficients between Ni and Mn suggest a mixed influence of geogenic (soil erosion) and anthropogenic sources (machinery and chemical industry enterprises, thermal power plants, and motor transport). A significant potential ecological risk for soil ecosystems was identified for Cd contamination in the study area. The multi-index approach to assessing heavy metal contamination across different urban locations showed that the most critical situations occurred in the southeastern and eastern industrial hubs. In residential-industrial areas, urban soils predominantly exhibited low to moderate contamination levels. Cadmium (Cd) was identified as the main potentially ecologically hazardous metal. The results of this study can serve as a basis for the development and implementation of targeted risk management strategies

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Received 08.12.2025

Revised 29.04.2026

Accepted 12.06.2026

Published 30.06.2026

https://doi.org/10.63341/esbur/1.2026.30
Retrieved from Vol. 17, No. 1, 2026
Pages 30-48

Suggested citation

Mislyuk, O., Yegorova, O., Khomenko, O., & Loboda, O. (2026). Multi-index geochemical assessment of urban soil contamination under technogenic pressure. Ecological Safety and Balanced Use of Resources, 17(1), 30-48. https://doi.org/10.63341/esbur/1.2026.30

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