A scientific study conducted at the University of Basra by faculty members Dr. Fadia Mushtaq Salim, Dr. Anfas Ni'ma Akkas, and Dr. Mustafa Abdul Wahab Najm in the Department of Ecology at the College of Science investigated soil quality near public roads and gas stations in Basra Governorate based on heavy metal pollution using various pollution indicators.

The study, published in the journal EnvironmentAsia, indexed in Scopus, revealed that emissions from transportation and gas stations add significant quantities of heavy metals to the soil, exceeding their natural limits, thus causing pollution, particularly cadmium and lead.

The study employed indicators to assess soil quality and determine the overall impact of heavy metals on the soil.

The results concluded that the studied soils fall within the medium to high pollution ranges and that the use of environmental indicators is crucial for determining the extent of soil pollution and making effective environmental management decisions to maintain soil health.