Seasonal Assessment of Physicochemical Characteristics and Nutrient Status of Chromium-Contaminated Industrial Soil
Abstract
The rapid expansion of industrial activities has led to the deterioration of soil quality through the accumulation of heavy metals and alterations in soil physicochemical properties, posing distinct environmental and agricultural challenges. This study investigated the seasonal variation in the physicochemical characteristics and nutrient status of chromium contaminated soil collected from the Ranjangaon MIDC industrial area, Pune, Maharashtra, India. Soil samples were collected seasonally in the summer, monsoon and winter based on meteorological data and analysed following standard protocols. The parameters studied were soil temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), moisture content, water-holding capacity (WHC) and texture of the soil, tillage before planting, and available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Results: The results identified seasonal differences in soil physicochemical characteristics and nutrient availability. While soil temperature and EC were the highest in summer (32°C, 1.20 ± 0.71 dS m⁻¹), maximum values of moisture (25 ± 0·4%) and WHC (45%) took place during the monsoon season. A soil pH of 7.5 in summer reduced to a low value through rainfall that leached and diluted the water's calcium carbonate content (6). Soil textural class was determined to be clay loam for all three seasons, suggesting no obvious seasonal change to soil type. Available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentrations were highest during the rainy season, indicating that nutrient availability varied significantly between seasons as a result of increased mineralisation and microbial activity. These findings suggest that seasonal fluctuations may have different effects on physicochemical properties and nutrient dynamics of polluted industrial soils, which can also further influence heavy metal mobility, decrease soil fertility and phytoremediation efficiency. This study offers baseline knowledge for environmental monitoring and assists in the planning of sustainable management and remediation protocols on industrially polluted soils.