Urban Soil Contamination

Human activity goes hand in hand with urban and industrial development. It leads to the emergence of new industrial technologies, construction materials and techniques. Metropolitan and urban areas are most susceptible to this influence both during the development of new territories and the operation of existing industrial and residential complexes. The article presents the results of the soil investigation conducted in the city of Novokuybyshevsk to determine prospects for future growth of the city. Soil samples were retrieved in the urban area of Novokuybyshevsk in full compliance with the requirements of the State Standard. Soil testing was performed to obtain research data on the concentrations of heavy metals (lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, manganese etc.), oil, sulfates and nitrates. The findings were then compared with the results obtained in previous years. The research provided a perspective on the current state of the soil, considered major sources of pollution and helped assess the extent of urban soil contamination in Novokuybyshevsk. Realistic and urgent measures were suggested to improve the state of the soil for further development and expansion of the industrial and residential areas of the city.