Heavy Metals In Mines Humoud Saleh Almutairi, Saud Dakhel Alharbi, Rakan Thareeb Almutairi
Alhakm Bin Hesham Public School, Mahd Althahab, SAUDI ARABIA
The object of this projects is to determine the concentration of heavy metals in Mahd Althahab city soil and the association between soil pollution and the proximity of a mining field. Mahd Althahab city, located in the Western province of Saudi Arabia has the largest and oldest mine. Heavy metal concentrations can have a drastic effect on the community, especially the health of the local population. Various samples were obtained from different distances from the mine. All samples where digested using soil digestion tools so it can be read using a microwave according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EBA3051
Heavy metals` concentration levels were determined by using an atomic analysis device. Results indicated high levels of heavy metals in Mahd Althahab city soil. Each location had different concentration levels of heavy metals. Moreover, concentration levels would increase with closer proximity to the mine. Zinc levels were eight times larger than the world average, Moreover lead was nine times, copper five times than the world average. Also Cadmium was 28 times the world average!. Awards won at the 2010 ISEF First Award of $1,000 - American Geological Institute Fourth Award of $500 - Team Projects - Presented by Intel