Environmental Health Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil Samples from Selected Urban Areas of Western Mosul City, Iraq Using XRF Analysis

Background and Aim: Rapid urbanization, post-conflict reconstruction, demolition activities, traffic emissions, and informal industrial practices have increased heavy metal accumulation in urban soils, creating environmental and public health concerns. This study assessed the spatial distribution, contamination levels, and human health risks of selected heavy metal oxides in surface soils from urban districts on the right side of Mosul City, Iraq, using X-ray fluorescence analysis. Methods: A cross-sectional environmental assessment was conducted from January to June 2025 across ten urban districts using purposive site selection. Surface soil samples were collected, air-dried, sieved, homogenized, and analyzed with a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Six metal oxides were measured in ppm: V₂O₅, ZrO₂, CuO, Ga₂O₃, Tl₂O, and PbO. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, Shapiro–Wilk tests, Pearson correlation, pollution indices, and USEPA-based Hazard Quotient/Hazard Index calculations were performed for adults and children. A composite Site Environmental Vulnerability Index was also developed. Results: CuO showed marked spatial variability, ranging from 24.50 to 288.11 ppm. Tl₂O reached Moderate geoaccumulation levels at all sites and Moderate–Heavy contamination at Wadi Hajar. A strong positive correlation was found between CuO and PbO, suggesting shared anthropogenic sources. The pediatric Hazard Index exceeded 1 at all sites, with Wadi Hajar showing the highest risk. The vulnerability index ranked Wadi Hajar and Wadi Akab as Very High-risk districts, while Al-Aamil was the least contaminated site. Conclusion: Heavy metal contamination in right-side Mosul soils is spatially heterogeneous, with thallium and copper posing the greatest concern, especially for children. District-level remediation, biomonitoring, and routine surveillance are urgently recommended.