Exploring distribution of potentially toxic elements in soil profiles to assess the geochemical background and contamination extent in soils of a metallurgical and industrial area in Kosovo

Abstract This geochemical study explored the distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), such as As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, U, and Zn, along soil profiles a metallurgical industrial area in Kosovo, with aim assessing background contamination threshold PTEs soil, defining surface vertical level extent by PTEs. The was assessed exploratory data analysis PTE concentrations profiles. upper limit (contamination threshold) used reference value to calculate single pollution index establish level. Cadmium, Zn were primary contaminants Tl secondary ones. main sources Zvecan smelter for Trepca complex Cd Zn. highest levels Pb Sb found up depths between 30 60 cm within 5 km north south-east smelter. Contamination decreased depth affected whole thickness closer Cadmium declined distance from depth, extending down 40–90 30–70 cm, respectively. Anomalous natural Ni soils collected northern part area, where geology consists mainly ultrabasic basic magmatic rocks.