An Analytical Study of Physicochemical Properties under Industrial Influences

Abstract

Agricultural soils in the coastal city of Zuwara, Libya, are under increasing pressure due to human activities and natural factors. This study aims to comprehensively assess soil quality by analyzing its physical and chemical properties, with a particular focus on salinity parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved salts, and major ions) as indicators of environmental pollution. Nine composite soil samples (S1-S9) were collected and analyzed. The results revealed significant spatial variation: electrical conductivity (EC) values ​​ranged from 190 to 1840 µS/cm, with sample S8 showing an abnormally high EC (1840 µS/cm) and total dissolved salts (TDS) (1177.6 mg/L), indicating severe localized salinization, possibly due to industrial waste or seawater intrusion. The concentrations of the major ions (Na⁺, Cl⁻, Ca⁺, Mg⁺, and SO₄⁻) in S8 were significantly elevated and showed a strong correlation with each other, confirming the presence of an external source of pollution. The pH ranged from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.96–7.98). The sodium uptake ratio (SAR) for sample S8 was 3.26, indicating a low risk of further sodium pollution. Potassium (K⁺) deficiency was a critical issue, observed in 88.9% of the samples, severely limiting soil fertility. The study highlights two main problems: salinity pollution from a specific source and widespread potassium deficiency. Immediate action is recommended, including conducting an environmental study in the S8 area, implementing soil leaching techniques, planting salt-tolerant crops, developing potassium fertilization programs, and establishing a long-term monitoring system