Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils, dust and plants grown in Drâa Lasfar region in Marrakech, Morocco

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Technology, ISPITS - Marrakech - Morocco

2 Laboratory of computer mathematics and modeling of complex systems, Higher School of Technology of Essaouira, Cadi Ayyad University. Essaouira Aljadida, Morocco

3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech- Morocco

4 Regional Laboratory for Epidemiological Diagnosis and Environmental Hygiene, Boulevard des Hôpitaux, Gueliz-Marrakesh, Morocco

5 Laboratory of Hydrobiology, Ecotoxicology and Sanitation (LHEA), Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, BP2390, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

Abstract

The contamination of soils, dust, and plants by heavy metals poses a significant global concern due to its inherent risks. In the Drâa Lasfar region of Marrakech, Morocco, toxic heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) have been found to exceed the maximum allowable concentrations set by FAO/WHO. Soil samples from the region show significant contamination levels, with Pb (172.6 µg/g), Cu (142.1 µg/g), and Cd (9.1 µg/g) concentrations surpassing threshold limits. Furthermore, the contamination assessment, as indicated by the contamination factor (CF) and pollution index (PI) values, confirms the significant pollution of the studied soils. Dust samples collected from both indoor and outdoor environments exhibit considerably higher concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cu compared to background levels, underscoring the outdoor dust as a significant source of metal contamination. Additionally, the concentration of Pb in plants exceeds FAO/WHO maximum permissible levels, with roots showing higher accumulation rates compared to other plant parts. The ecological and human health risks associated with heavy metal contamination are evident from the calculated ecological risk index (ERI) and health risk index (HRI) values, which indicate severe health risks posed by Pb contamination in the studied area. The findings emphasize the urgent need for mitigation measures to address the health risks posed to the local population, particularly children, by the contamination of plants grown in proximity to mining activities.

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References

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Environmental Resources Research
Volume 13, Issue 2
October 2025
Pages 261-274

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