Uncovering the Long-Term Soil Legacy of Military Activities: A Physicochemical and ICP-MS Case Study
نویسندگان
1 Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
2 Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
3 Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
4 Institute of Chemical Processes Fundamentals, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojova 135, Prague 16500, Czech Republic
5 Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
6 Department of Math and Physics, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
7 Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
8 Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
9 Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
10 Department of Environmental Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Pasteurova 3632/15, Ústí nad Labem 400 96, Czech Republic
11 Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
doi
10.48309/chemm.2026.574000.2098چکیده
This study investigated elemental contamination in soils collected from former military sites in Qanat Bakish and Marj Baskinta, Mount Lebanon, occupied between 1988 and 1989. Soil samples were collected from seven locations associated with different military activities, including firing ranges, tank positions, and occupied buildings. Physical properties were determined via texture analysis using the Bouyoucos hydrometer method, while chemical parameters, including pH and electrical conductivity (EC), were measured in soil–water suspensions. Results revealed significant contamination with lead, chromium, nickel, zinc, arsenic, and cadmium. Lead concentrations reached 130 mg/kg in some samples, substantially higher than typical Lebanese soils (10–30 mg/kg). Elevated levels were also detected for chromium (1,218.5 mg/kg), nickel (1,254.5 mg/kg), zinc (721.5 mg/kg), arsenic (52 mg/kg), and cadmium (1.5 mg/kg). Aluminum concentrations exceeded 100,000 mg/kg in specific sites, consistent with the clay-rich nature of the soils. Soil pH ranged from acidic (4.96) to alkaline (8.03), indicating chemical heterogeneity. These findings demonstrate that distinct chemical fingerprints and significant heavy metal contamination remain detectable decades after military evacuation, posing ongoing risks to ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and human health through potential bioaccumulation in food chains. The study underscores the critical need for comprehensive environmental assessments and remediation strategies at former military sites.
