Comparative Content of Heavy Metals in Soils and Vegetation of Railway Stations in Georgia

This study determined the concentrations of seven heavy metals: cadmium, lead, copper, manganese, nickel, cobalt, and zinc, in the soil and vegetation of seven railway stations in western Georgia. The analyses were conducted using acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrophotometry methods. This is the first determination of metal contents in soil and vegetation at Georgian railway stations in operation for over 150 years. It was established that the total content of metals in contaminated soils is higher than the background level. The loading and unloading stations of the port cities of Poti and Batumi are the most polluted. Based on the overall pollution level (Zc > 32), they are classified as "moderately hazardous", even taking into account the sharp decline in transport traffic over the past 30 years. The elevated Zc value (Zc= 53.67) for the Senaki station is mainly due to a significant increase in manganese and lead levels. Pollution levels at the passenger stations of the resort town of Kobuleti and the small town of Abasha are classified as "permissible levels".