Heavy metal distribution in dust, street dust and soils from the work place in Karak Industrial Estate, Jordan

Karak Industrial Estate (KIE) was investigated for its heavy metals content. Samples of dust, street dust and soil were analyzed for their content of Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb after digestion with nitric acid. The results of the analysis were used to determine major sources and magnitude of heavy metals pollution. The ranges of heavy metal concentrations in the investigated area were 58.8-94.8, 1.8-84.9, 15.4-136.9, 1.7-6.5 and 2.1-314.1 mg kg -1 dry soil for Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals in soils are greater on the surface but decreased in the lower part as a result of the basic nature of this soil. There are two possible sources of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb) anthropogenic and industrial activities from the work place in KIE. Significant contribution from industrial sources at KIE was evident at nearby places. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.