The Biobrio 12(3&4), 2025

A comparative analysis of soil nutrient status and trace metal contamination in agricultural lands adjacent to Pachhwara Coal Mines, Pakur District of Jharkhand.

Pratima Kumari & Sutanu Lal Bondya

ABSTRACT:

Coal mining activities can influence soil properties in adjacent agricultural ecosystems, necessitating systematic assessment of soil quality parameters. This study presents a comparative analysis of soil nutrient status and elemental composition in agricultural lands along a distance gradient (0.8-5.2 km) from Pachhwara coal mines, Pakur district, Jharkhand. Soil samples from five sites were analyzed for physico-chemical properties and elemental composition using ICP-MS. Results revealed spatial variations in soil parameters, with pH ranging from 5.24 (proximal zone) to 6.82 (reference site), while organic carbon and available macronutrients increased progressively with distance from the mining area. Elemental concentrations, including arsenic (2.8-5.2 mg/kg), cadmium (0.12-0.28 mg/kg), lead (8.6-16.4 mg/kg), and other trace metals, remained within typical ranges reported for Indian agricultural soils. Soil Quality Indices indicated moderate to good soil fertility (SFI: 0.52-0.82) with Heavy Metal Pollution Index values below critical thresholds across all sites. The findings establish baseline soil quality data for agricultural lands near Pachhwara coal mines and suggest that current elemental concentrations are within acceptable limits for agricultural use. Continued monitoring and sustainable land management practices are recommended to maintain soil health.

Keywords:    

Soil quality, Trace metals, ICP-MS analysis, Coal mining, Agricultural lands, Pakur district, Nutrient status, Jharkhand

Full Text