Potential environmental and health impact of wind erosion affected soils in Iğdır

Abstract

The town of Aralık in Iğdır Province is recognized as Türkiye’s second most wind erosion-prone area. Sand and dust storms originated from this region may exert considerable health impacts and environmental degradation in the affected areas. This study aimed to evaluate potential environmental quality and human health impacts of windblown soils in the Mount Ararat region. Five soil profiles were excavated, described, and sampled within a 12-hectare representative area. The profile descriptions showed that soil formation in the study area has been influenced by past volcanic activities, low water availability, high evapotranspiration, fluvial processes, and severe wind erosion. Soil texture ranged from sand to sandy loam. The soils were very low in organic matter and CaCO3 content, ranging from 0.05 to 0.58% for soil OM and from 0.35 to 1.42% for CaCO3 content. Soil pH was extremely high, ranging from 8.98 to 10.03. The soils were highly sodic, as indicated by high ESP, ranging from 27.9 to 53.9 with a mean of 56.6. High concentrations of total Fe and Al were detected across all the soil profiles. The results suggest that the studied soils may present considerable health risks to both local populations and the environment, particularly in areas impacted by windstorms and air pollution. Ephedra distachya (syn. E. vulgaris) (locally called Ebucehil Bush), which is endemic to the region, plays a crucial role in protection of study soils. The study highlights the pressing necessity for thorough risk assessments and the adoption of sustainable land management strategies to reduce these environmental and public health threats.

Keywords

• Air pollution
• Dust storm
• Ephedra distachya
• Mount Ararat
• Wind erosion

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