Distribution, correlation and risk assessment of selected metals in urban soils from Islamabad, Pakistan

► Water-extract and acid-extract of the soils were analysed for selected metals. ► The soils were anthropogenically polluted by Cd, Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Zn and Mn. ► Moderate to heavy contamination for Pb and Cd was indicated by Igeo and Cf. ► Most of the metals showed random distribution and diverse correlations. ► Overall, considerable degree of contamination was observed in both seasons.