Abstract
Industrial activities are a major source of heavy metal contamination in soils and wastewater, posing potential risks to environmental and human health. This study assessed the concentrations and ecological risks of selected heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Ni) in soils and industrial effluents from three industrial sites (ghee, tannery, and textile industries) located in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Soil samples were collected and processed to obtain composite samples, while wastewater samples were collected in acid-treated polypropylene bottles and preserved at 4 °C prior to analysis. All samples were digested using standard acid digestion procedures and analyzed for metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Soil contamination was evaluated using the Pollution Index (PI), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk (ER) model to determine contamination levels and ecological hazards associated with these metals. The indices provided a comprehensive assessment of soil pollution status and the potential ecological impact of industrial activities in the study area. The findings contribute to understanding heavy metal contamination in industrial zones of Faisalabad and highlight the importance of continuous environmental monitoring and improved waste management practices to protect soil quality and ecosystem health.