Department of Physics, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa College, Sri Anandpur Sahib, 140118, India.
Department of Physics, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002, India.
Environ Geochem Health. 2024 Jul 30;46(9):352. doi: 10.1007/s10653-024-02118-9.
Our study aimed to assess the soil quality in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district through a meticulous analysis of nutrient and elemental composition. Using a variety of analytical techniques, including Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), external Particle-induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE) an Ion beam analysis Technique, and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), we delved into soil characterization for 22 agricultural soil samples in the Punjab region. Within the NAA framework, utilizing the Pneumatic Carrier Facility and the self-serve facility at Dhruva reactor in Mumbai, a brief 1-min irradiation procedure identified pivotal elements-Na, Mg, V, Al, Mn, and K. Conversely, an extended neutron irradiation process of approximately 4 h within the self-serve facility enabled the estimation of nearly 12 elements, including Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Transition elements, and other significant elements. The external PIGE technique quantified low Z elements (Na, Mg, Al, and Si), contributing to our analytical arsenal. Rigorously validating both NAA and PIGE methodologies, we compared results meticulously against established geological standard reference materials-specifically USGS RGM-1 and USGS AGV-1.Instrumental in elemental analysis, ED-XRF spectroscopy fortified our investigative endeavors by quick assessment of ten crucial elements. The elemental analysis revealed notable accumulations of Mn and Zn in the soil, surpassing the suggested permissible limits, whereas Co, Cr, and Pb were found to be within the recommended thresholds set by WHO/UNEP. Beyond elemental profiling, our study extended to estimate the accumulation levels of various elements utilizing ecological risk factors such as Contamination Factor, Potential Ecological Risk Index, Pollution Load Index, and Geoaccumulation Factor. Our findings highlighted significant accumulation of REEs including La, Sm and Yb.. This evaluation sheds new light on the interplay between soil composition and environmental health, emphasizing the need for advanced accessible agricultural technologies to prevent and forecast contaminant discharge in arable soil. This commitment aligns with our broader goal of advancing sustainable practices in soil management.
我们的研究旨在通过对养分和元素组成的细致分析来评估旁遮普省 Hoshiarpur 地区的土壤质量。我们使用各种分析技术，包括中子活化分析（NAA）、外部粒子感生伽马射线发射（PIGE）和离子束分析技术以及能量色散 X 射线荧光（ED-XRF），深入研究了旁遮普地区的 22 个农业土壤样本的土壤特性。在 NAA 框架内，利用孟买 Dhruva 反应堆的气动载体设施和自助设施，仅需 1 分钟的辐照程序即可识别出关键元素 - 钠、镁、钒、铝、锰和钾。相反，在自助设施中进行大约 4 小时的延长中子辐照过程，可以估计近 12 种元素，包括稀土元素（REEs）、过渡元素和其他重要元素。外部 PIGE 技术定量了低 Z 元素（钠、镁、铝和硅），为我们的分析武器库做出了贡献。我们严格验证了 NAA 和 PIGE 方法，并仔细比较了结果与既定的地质标准参考物质（特别是 USGS RGM-1 和 USGS AGV-1）。仪器元素分析，ED-XRF 光谱通过快速评估十种关键元素加强了我们的研究工作。元素分析表明，土壤中锰和锌的积累量显著超过了建议的允许限值，而钴、铬和铅则在世界卫生组织/联合国环境规划署设定的推荐阈值范围内。除了元素剖析，我们的研究还扩展到利用生态风险因素（如污染因子、潜在生态风险指数、污染负荷指数和地质累积因子）来估计各种元素的积累水平。我们的研究结果突出了稀土元素（包括镧、钐和镱）的显著积累。这一评估揭示了土壤成分与环境健康之间的相互作用，强调需要先进的、可访问的农业技术来预防和预测耕地土壤中的污染物排放。这一承诺符合我们推进土壤管理可持续实践的更广泛目标。
