Risk Assessment and Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals with an Emphasis on Antimony (Sb) in Urban Soil in Bojnourd, Iran

Recently, one of the major environmental issues is pollution soil with Antimony (Sb), which ecologically detrimental and potentially carcinogenic to humans. In developing countries such as Iran, Sb concentrations in soils have not yet been accurately determined. Therefore, purpose this study was examine levels other HMs (Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Hg Cr) surface Bojnourd, well their distribution potential risks environment human health. A total 37 samples (0–20 cm) were taken from different sampling stations: 900 × m regular grid for traffic areas (TA), residential (RA) suburb (SA). The contamination factor (CF) geo-accumulation index (Igeo) are two indices that used reflect ecological risk HMs. Geographic information system (GIS), Spearman correlation matrix health indexes utilized investigate source hazard results showed average concentration TA highly enriched compared areas. Most identified low Ni pollution, while having moderate high Pb, Cr, Cd determined by (Igeo CF). Geostatistical analysis GIS mapping spatial HM there similar patterns hot spots southeast, west center city. Neither quotient (HQ) nor (HI) examined indicated any non-carcinogenic adults or children. However, assessment revealed cancer raised Cr contents children, these elements an acceptable adults. Furthermore, children’s values greater than adults’, indicating more hazards associated assessing posed urban vital urgent detailed investigation also required identify recognized Sb. proper corresponding humans a area can be critical appropriate remediation method.