Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Agricultural Soils of Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

Contamination of soil with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is receiving great attention worldwide due to its apparent toxicity and hazards local residents. The assessments PTE distribution, sources, environmental risks are, therefore, the first steps high-efficiency pollutant degradation sustainable utilization. current study used a variety contamination indicators multivariate methods evaluate risk As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn in Al-Ahsa soils eastern Saudi Arabia. For analysis, 30 surface samples were collected from palm fields irrigated groundwater treated sewage water. Landsat images indicated an increase total vegetative area residential area, decrease bare land 1985 2021. average concentrations PTEs (mg/kg?1) lower than maximum admissible had following decreasing order: (54.43) > Cr (28.67) Ni (14.53) Cu (10.83) Pb (5.23) As (2.27) Hg (0.35) Cd (0.26). enrichment factor (EF) findings confirmed that significantly enriched moderately severely Cd. potential ecological index (RI) demonstrates moderate risk, only certain parts presenting high risk. different levels agricultural may be caused partly by various qualities originate aquifers sewage-treated results analysis showed most anthropogenic sources come using lot fertilizers insecticides. Levels remaining natural earth crust materials.