Tracing the environmental effects of microfabric in the leaves of the Cupressus dupreziana plant and the surrounding soil in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The high death rate associated with COVID-19 may contribute to increased mineral pollution in cemetery soils, underscoring the necessity for future cemetery projects aimed at mitigating these environmental effects. This highlights the importance of studying metal concentrations in cemetery soils. The research focused on analyzing the mineral content of soil in the Najaf Governorate cemeteries in Iraq, particularly during a period marked by elevated mortality rates, to inform future projects that address environmental concerns.

Methods: Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to examine the soil characteristics in three cemeteries. Soil samples were collected three times from a depth of 10 to 30 cm around Cupressus dupreziana plants, using triplicate analyses and mean deviation. An autoregressive integrated moving averages model was then applied, incorporating 50% traceability to bioavailability in order to mitigate contamination risks.

Results: The analysis indicated elevated levels of iron and lead (Pb) in the cemetery soil. Given the increase in fatalities and the accompanying funerals, it is essential to consider that COVID-19’s estimated daily death toll ranges between 20 and 50, with the potential for significant metal pollution. To diminish environmental impact, the facility managed gas and effluent processing at 80% capacity, concentrating on mineral contamination in the soil through spatial analysis.

Conclusion: EDX and SEM were confirmed as reliable methods, while the morphometric approach provided a comprehensive view of the soil and its associated plant life through elemental composition analysis. Utilizing these techniques enabled quantitative assessments and comparisons with control samples, facilitating a thorough characterization of C. dupreziana. Additionally, these analyses illuminated the various clusters of organisms present within the soil of the study area.

Keywords: Indication metals; Environmental analysis; Cupressus dupreziana; Soil pollution

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