Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soils around of Khash Cement Plant, SE Iran

20 soil samples collected from the vicinity of the Khash Cement plant, Iran, were analyzed for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn using ICP-OES. The results revealed that the metal distribution were in a fluctuating manner considering various distances and direction from the cement facility. However, it was observed that the mean concentration of the soil samples has no special trend with respect to distance and direction from the facility for most metals. However, the cement plant is a major source responsible for metal distribution, but it seems that uniformity in topography and vegetation is major factor to control this kind of distribution pattern. According to the index of geoaccumulation, the soils of the study area are considered to uncontaminated with respect to As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Pb and Zn. Cd and Ni shows uncontaminated to moderated contaminated characteristics. The result of enrichment factor show that, with the exception of Cd and Ni enrichment, all the metals were deficiency to minimal enriched in all the distances and directions considered for the study. The results of the metal analysis indicated that the environment under study is not at risk seriously.