ABSTRACT: It is imperative to understand the pollution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in different soils in order to determine the sustainable management approaches for soils. Potentially toxic elements (Fe, Mn, As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Co and Cd) were determined in agricultural, non-agricultural and industrial soils of Punjab, India. The concentration of PTEs at industrial soils were highest followed by non-agricultural and agricultural soils. The percentage change recorded from agricultural to non-agricultural soils for PTEs were 3.19% for Fe, 25.3% for Mn, 63.8% for Cu, 13.5% for Cr, 49.8% for Pb, 79.6% for Ni, 35.8% for Co and 32% for Cd. From non-agricultural to industrial soils, the percentage change observed for PTEs were 89% for Zn, 2.03% for Fe, 21.9% for Mn, 68.2% Cu, 9.2% for Cr, 35.8% for Pb, 18.4% for Co, 30.4% for Cd and 43.4% for As. The results of contamination factor, enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index, pollution and modified pollution indices also resulted severe contamination of Cd and As in all soil types. Ecological risk assessment results revealed that Cd exhibited very high risk in different soil types. The outcomes of this study will aid in forming approaches to decline the perils allied with PTEs in soils, and produce guidelines to save the environment from long term accrual of PTEs. Potentially toxic elements, Multivariate statistical analysis, Ecological risk assessment, Geoaccumulation index.
