A Geostatistical Study of Heavy Metal Contamination and Soil Quality in Industrial Areas of Erode and Namakkal

This study assesses soil quality in the industrial areas of Erode and Namakkal districts, Tamil Nadu, focusing on heavy metal contamination from industrial effluents. Soil Quality Index (SQI) analysis supported by geostatistical methods revealed moderate soil quality (58.79%) with poor quality in 6.36% of samples. Heavy metals include Chromium (Cr) at 80.15 mg/kg near the Mohanur sugar factory, Cadmium (Cd) at 23.83 mg/kg near the Kodumudi iron and steel industry, and Arsenic (As) at 99.8 mg/kg near the Pallipalayam sugar industry exceeding the safe permissible limits. The SQI was highest near SIDCO industrial areas indicating better soil management and lowest near textile and sugar factories due to heavy contamination. The study highlights severe soil degradation near industrial hotspots, driven by effluents containing heavy metals and other pollutants. Effective remediation strategies, including organic amendments, waste treatment, and phytoremediation, are recommended to restore soil health. The findings underscore the need for sustainable practices and ongoing soil quality monitoring to mitigate industrial pollution and support environmental sustainability.