A Preliminary Report on the Soil Toxicity Assessment of Bangalore and its Adjoining Areas: Implications for Health and Toxicity

Abstract

Anthropogenic land use alterations of soil, which are among the most significant and persistent agents of change in the structure of landscapes, are primarily caused by urbanization, agricultural expansion, deforestation, industrial growth, and infrastructure expansion. The ecological, functional, and aesthetic aspects of landscapes all around the world are significantly impacted by these changes. Healthy soil is essential for agriculture, human health, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Soil samples from four sites in and around Bangalore were examined for acidity and macro and micronutrients in the current study. The results indicate that the pH levels of soils in residential areas and rubbish dumps are higher. Higher nitrogen amounts (0.20% and 0.14%, respectively) were found in the soil from the residential and industrial regions. Phosphorus levels are higher in residential and waste dump locations (0.04% and 0.06%, respectively). Potassium levels were higher (0.08%) in the waste-deposited area. Furthermore, the area where garbage was released showed higher calcium levels (0.04%). Finally, the magnesium concentration of the agricultural land was higher (0.03%). Bengaluru's Magadi Road residential sector (63.98 ppm) and garbage disposal area (77.54 ppm) had higher zinc concentrations. Agricultural fields have higher mercury levels (less than 0.1 ppm). The soil in the industrial region had a lot of copper (62.61 ppm). The iron content was greater in Bengaluru's Industrial Town (0.01) and Waste Dumped Area (0.02). The maximum acidity was found in agricultural fields (0.03%), followed by the industrial Rajajinagar area (0.01%). To guarantee food quality and nutritional security, land use planning and sustainable soil management are essential. The study is important because soil contamination is becoming more widespread, which has an impact on human health and plant health.