The environmental impact of Kirkuk refinery on soil quality at Kirkuk governorate, N Iraq

الملخص EN

The average concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Cd) with the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil of Kirkuk Oil Refinery and the surroundings were determined in 15 selected locations.

The sample collection was carried out in two periods: October 2010 and March 2011.

In comparison with other studies, the concentration levels of heavy metals show that the values are within or lower than those of other studies, except for the concentration of Cd in the two periods, which are higher.

The average concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil indicates 3.5 ppb in October, while in March it is 14.2 ppb.

The model of cumulative effect of PAHs, determined by GIS program for both sampling periods, shows an increase of concentration in wind directions away from the site of Kirkuk Oil Refinery.