Evaluation of heavy metals pollution in the soil of Helwan, Cairo, Egypt using magnetic and chemical analysis techniques

In the present study, we have applied magnetics and geochemical analysis in order to investigate the heavy metal contamination in Helwan area, Cairo, Egypt. We have collected 52 soil samples from Industry zones and urban areas. We characterized the spatial pollution pattern using ICP-MS and found enrichments in seven potentially toxic heavy metals; Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Sb, Cd, and Hg, located near industrial zones, with high pollution levels. The bulk magnetic susceptibility values (k) measured on samples range between a maximum of 3560 × 10-6 SI near the Industry Zone area and 168 × 10-6 SI locate in the eastern part of the study area (sandy soil), which is not fairly affected by pollution (un-urbanized). The mass-specific magnetic susceptibility (χ) measured on samples ranges between 0.058 × 10-6 and 2.83 × 10-6 m3/kg. Thermomagnetic runs reveal that magnetite and Ti-rich titanomagnetite control the magnetic signal. The spatial distribution of the mass-specific magnetic susceptibility (χ) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) shows the highest values in industrial areas