Distribution, Risk Assessment and Source Identification of Potentially Toxic Elements in Coal Mining Contaminated Soils of Makarwal, Pakistan: Environmental and Human Health Outcomes

The present research was carried out to examine the health and environmental impacts associated with coal mining activities in Makarwal area Pakistan. To achieve objectives, 41 soil samples were collected from coalmine-affected areas analyzed for major toxic trace elements (TTEs) using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Most of have extremely high concentrations metals such as Ni, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb. positive correlations concentration region suggest an analogous origin contamination. factor analysis (FA) showed two components, i.e., F1 (53.4%) F (74.21%), total variability soil. F2 loaded Pb, which similar cluster 2, while Cu having a pattern 1. This proves that contamination surrounding is mostly geological ore strata existing coalfield. Based on geoaccumulation (Igeo), elemental studied sample could be categorized follows: (1) Zn are moderate severely polluted (2) Cr moderately category. ecological risk indices (ERIs) single element index highlighted pose humans ecosystem. different statistical tools performed source identification distribution metal contamination, it seems exposed sedimentary rocks, including limestone, dolomite, sandstone, coal, responsible study area.