ASSESSMENT OF SOIL QUALITY: PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND

IMPLICATIONS

A Research Study Presented to

Prof. Jason Ben Paragamac

University of Mindanao

Davao City

In Fulfillment of the Requirements for

AF214L (3484) – Soil Science 2

Pande, John Lenard

November 25, 2023

 ABSTRACT
This research investigates the physicochemical characteristics of soil in Tampakan,
South Cotabato, near mining sites, employing a quantitative research design. Fourteen soil
samples underwent extensive analysis, focusing on parameters such as pH, bulk density,
nutrient concentrations (N, P, K), iron content (Fe), organic matter (OM), and heavy metal
levels (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg). The study reveals significant variations in pH, nutrient levels,
and heavy metal concentrations among the sampled plots, indicating potential environmental
hazards. The data highlights the impact on soil acidity, nutrient availability, and the
accumulation of non-biodegradable heavy metals, posing risks to both environmental
ecosystems and human health through the food chain. The findings underscore the need for
targeted remediation strategies, continuous monitoring, and informed land management
practices to ensure sustainable environmental health in the region.

Keywords: Soil analysis, Heavy metal contamination, nutrient availability

INTRODUCTION
Understanding the characteristics and makeup of the soil is now made possible
through the use of physicochemical analysis of environmental samples. Using a range of
laboratory techniques, this analytical approach entails a methodical investigation of these
samples' physical and chemical properties. Such analyses have important outcomes that affect
scientific advancements, regulatory compliance, and environmental management.
The study was conducted Tampakan, South Cotabato (6°27′N 124°56′E), where a part
of land was measured near mining sites. The chemical processes known as soil analysis are
used to quantify the amount of plant nutrients that are available in the soil as well as to
identify the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of the soil that are crucial for
plant nutrition (CropNuts, 2020). Through physicochemical analysis, diverse chemical
compounds that affect ecosystems and growing environmental concerns. Effective
environmental management and remediation initiatives depend on an understanding of the
nature and concentration of these substances.
In addition, acidification frequently affects mine-related surface. One of the most
significant negative effects of mining on the environment is acid mine drainage. Because
pyrite, which has high sulphur concentrations, can be found in some coal seams, coal mines
may have the worst acidity issues. When pyrite is exposed to oxygen and water, it can form
sulfuric acid mine runoff, also known as acid mine drainage. Acidification of water can also
increase the release of certain metals, such as aluminum, arsenic, copper, iron, lead, nickel,
and zinc, which are frequently associated with coal seams. This is because acidification of
water can accelerate mineral decomposition and increase the solubility of these metals.
Freshwater invertebrates may be directly poisoned by some of these metals (Chemical
Contamination and Mining, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
This research aims to conduct a thorough physicochemical analysis of the soil sample
from soil that is near mining sites at Tampakan, South Cotabato. The primary objectives
include:

1. Identifying the specific compounds and concentration.

2. Assessing the physical properties of the samples.
3. Identify the hazardous effects of the identified compounds on plant life.

Conceptual Framework

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE

1. Identify Compounds and Concentrations

1. Type of Soil Samples (Fe, N, P, K, OM, As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Hg)
2. Physical Properties of Soil Samples
 METHODOLOGY

This study utilizes a quantitative research design, this study involves the collection of
soil samples on near mining site on Tampakan, South Cotabato. There were 14 samples
collected around the area, 3kg per soil were collected for examination. Purposive sampling is
collection of non-probability sampling selects units based on the qualities required
(Nikolopoulou, 2023).

Study Area
The study are is at Tampakan, South Cotabato, near mining sites with deteriorating
flora and fauna habitats.

Figure No. 1

Figure No. 2
pH Measurement
The researchers dissolve a part of the sample that was collected on each plot. Utilizing
a pH meter by dipping on the solution in order to detect the level of pH that is currently in the
solution.

Bulk Density (BD) Determination

Using a bulk density sampler kits, the researchers collects undisturbed soil cores and
measured the volume and weight of the cores to calculate the bulk density.

Nutrient Analysis
For the nutrient analysis the researchers, (N) nitrogen (P) phosphorus and (K)
potassium was analyzed using Kjeldahl method, Olsen method, and flame photometry,
respectively.
Kjeldahl Method. The procedure involves digesting all of the nitrogen in a weighed
sample with sulfuric acid to produce ammonium sulfate, alkalizing the mixture, and
measuring the amount of ammonia that is left behind by distilling it into a measured volume
of standard acid, the excess of which is measured by titration (The Editors of Encyclopaedia
Britannica, 1998).
Olsen Method. The technique is based on using a 0.5 N sodium bicarbonate solution
that has been pH- adjusted to 8.5 to extract phosphate from the soil. Because of the high pH,
hydroxide and bicarbonate competitively desorb phosphate from soil particles during the
extraction process, minimizing secondary absorption (Extractable Phosphorus - Olsen
Method, n.d.).
Flame Photometry. Flame photometry was used to measure the potassium
concentration in the extract; no significant interference from other elements was observed,
although the addition of ammonium lactate was taken into consideration when creating a set
of potassium standards.
Potassium standards were created using a stock solution containing 100 mg/l. A 100
mg/l K stock solution was added in increments of 0, 20, 30, and 40 milliliters to a set of
polyethylene volumetric flasks. 21 grams of ammonium lactate and 5 milliliters of a 1M
acetic acid solution were added to each of these solutions. Then, labels containing 0–40 mg/l
K standard solutions and 2M acidified ammonium lactate were placed on these bottles (BWB
Application Note - Potassium Extraction From Soil, n.d.).

Iron (Fe) Analysis

 In order to quantify iron in solution, this method first dissolves iron-containing
minerals and complexes in acid. Other techniques that have been developed but not
implemented in more standard soil-testing programs include the extraction of magnesium
chloride and a buffered reaction that lowers the iron content of the soil sample and chelates it
for analysis (Iron Availability and Management Considerations: A 4R Approach | Nutrient
Stewardship, n.d.).

Organic Matter (OM) Estimation

Using a known quantity of chromate and sulfuric acid, this method measures the
amount of oxidizable organic matter in which OM is oxidized. At a wavelength of 600 nm,
the remaining chromate is measured spectrophotometrically. The organic carbon calculation
is predicated on the observation that 58% of organic matter is carbon. The procedure is
generally repeatable within 8% and has a detection limit of about 0.10% on homogeneous
sample material (Organic Matter - Walkley-Black Method, n.d.).

Heavy Metal Analysis

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) is used to calculate the concentration of
specific elements in a sample such as As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Hg. It makes use of the idea that
light with a particular, distinct wavelength can be absorbed by atoms (and ions). The atom
absorbs the light energy when it is exposed to this particular wavelength. Atomic electrons
transition from their ground state to their excited state. It is possible to calculate the element's
concentration in the sample by measuring the amount of light absorbed (Atomic Absorption
Spectroscopy, How Does AAS Work, AAS FAQs | Agilent, n.d.).
 RESULTS

Table 1. Physicochemical Parameters AnalyzedParameters

of the Soil in the Study Area.
Sampling
Site
pH BD Fe N P K OM As Cd Cu Pb Hg
0.5 <2. 0.07
Plot 1 5.59 2.04 0.084 96.6 5.56 <0.1 44.5 3.20 1.27
1 0 2
0.5 <2.
Plot 2 5.17 2.25 0.289 160 6.52 0.11 <0.1 23.0 3.39 0.234
6 0
0.7 <2. 0.08
Plot 3 4.98 2.03 0.014 125 8.01 <0.1 32.2 3.53 0.237
0 0 7
0.8 <2.
Plot 4 5.50 2.12 0.410 136 5.16 0.42 <0.1 24.5 5.55 0.575
4 0
0.9 <2. 0.04
Plot 5 5.24 2.85 0.124 278 6.36 <0.1 42.9 7.89 0.250
2 0 5
0.5 <2. 0.06
Plot 6 5.47 2.56 0.238 198 8.41 <0.1 30.4 3.54 0.297
3 0 0
0.5 <2.
Plot 7 6.04 2.72 0.222 721 8.98 0.10 <0.1 33.6 3.74 0.285
1 0

0.5 <2. 0.04

Plot 8 5.24 2.57 0.083 124 7.70 <0.1 32.5 3.98 0.350
5 0 1
0.5 <2. 0.05
Plot 9 5.25 2.25 0.138 106 6.04 <0.1 23.2 2.76 0.210
4 0 2
0.5 <2. 0.09
Plot 10 5.26 1.88 0.166 85.6 8.50 <0.1 14.8 1.19 0.272
6 0 9
0.6 <2. 0.08
Plot 11 4.81 2.34 0.260 333 3.49 <0.1 39.7 10.3 0.203
1 0 5
0.5 <2.
Plot 12 4.75 2.71 0.416 269 7.66 0.31 <0.1 34.5 7.67 0.314
2 0
1.0
Plot 13 4.27 2.82 0.223 9.95 861 4.80 0.96 0.18 55.5 40.3 0.163
9
0.6 0.04
Plot 14 5.12 4.53 0.458 3.51 582 6.62 19 645 138 0.241
0 1
 Legend: As-Arsenic; Cd-Cadmium; Cu-Copper; Pb-Lead; Hg-Mercury; N-Nitrogen; P-
Phosphorus; K-Potassium; BD-Bulk Density; pH-Potential Hydrogen; Fe-Iron; TOC-Total
Organic Carbon

DISCUSSION

The results reveal variations in pH, nutrient levels, and heavy metal concentrations
among the different plots. Plots with lower pH values may indicate soil acidity, impacting
nutrient availability for plant growth. Elevated levels of heavy metals, such as copper and
mercury, raise concerns about potential environmental hazards and their implications for
human health through the food chain.
According to Dobbins (2023), Plant roots can receive a wide variety and quantity of
vital nutrients depending on the characteristics of the soil. There is a recommended pH value
range specific to each plant. This is because different plants require different amounts of
nutrients, and soil pH has an impact on nutrient availability. This proves the surrounding
areas are degrading slowly making habitats almost inhabitable to plants and animals alike.
In addition, a pH of 6.5 is typically thought to be ideal for the availability of nutrients
in soil. Reduced pH makes excess amounts of Al, Mn, and Fe soluble, which is harmful to
plants. A crucial consequence of an excess of soluble Al is the inhibition or cessation of root
growth. Most nutrients become less available at extreme pH values (Certified Crop Advisor
Study Resources (Northeast Region), n.d.).
The build-up of heavy metals in agricultural soils can lead to hazardous levels; these
non-biodegradable substances negatively impact crop health and yield. The crop type, growth
environment, and developmental stage, as well as the toxicity of the particular elements
involved, the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, the presence and
bioavailability of heavy metal ions in the soil solution, and the chemistry of the soil
rhizosphere, all influence how toxic heavy metals are to crops. Heavy metals have the ability
to interfere with a variety of metabolic and developmental processes as well as the regular
structure and function of cellular components (Rashid et al., 2023).
 RECOMMENDATION

1. Further Investigation into Heavy Metal Sources

Conducting a thorough investigation into the origins of heavy metals in soil samples
to identify the particular industrial processes, mining operations, or other human-caused
elements that are accountable for the contamination.

2. Long-Term Monitoring

Establishing a continuous, long-term monitoring program is crucial for tracking

changes in heavy metal concentrations and soil quality. Evaluating the sustainability of
land management practices in the region requires this kind of ongoing monitoring.

3. Ecological Impact Assessment

Expand the research to include an ecological impact assessment, focusing on the

effects of heavy metal pollution on the local wildlife. Investigate the bioaccumulation in
plant tissues and assess the effects this has on the local food chain and the region's
overall ecological health.
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