The Impact of Natural Resources on the Ecological State of the Environment
Nargiz Hakimova1 
, Aysel Khudai2*
Abstract. This study investigates the environmental impact of oil contamination on soil properties in the Muradkhanli oil and gas field located in the Imishli region of Azerbaijan. The aim of the research was to determine the levels of petroleum hydrocarbons and selected heavy metals in contaminated soils and to evaluate their ecological significance. Soil samples were collected from different locations and analyzed using standard physicochemical methods and ICP-MS techniques. The results revealed that petroleum hydrocarbon content ranged from 5.3% to 9.2%, indicating a high level of contamination. The soil reaction was slightly alkaline (pH 7.84–8.0). Elevated concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Fe were detected, while most heavy metals remained within permissible limits. The findings demonstrate that hydrocarbon pollution represents a major environmental concern in the study area, whereas heavy metal contamination is comparatively moderate. The results also indicate the limited natural self-remediation capacity of the soils, highlighting the need for effective remediation strategies.
Keywords: oil pollution, soil contamination, heavy metals, bioremediation, environmental assessment