The main objective of this study was to investigate the spatial variation of heavy metals concentrations released by a Kurdistan cement plant and determine the level of soil and plant contamination with lead, chromium and cadmium around the cement factory in Kurdistan province and adjacent rangeland areas. Soil and plant (Astragalus gossypinus and wheat) sampling was undertaken along eight compass directions; samples spaced 500 m apart at 4500 m intervals along each direction from a location centered on the factory. After chemical digestion of samples, the concentration of the elements was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Accumulation status and spatial variation of metals assessed at different distances from the factory (source of pollution) through two soil depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm). Results showed that soil layer depth, compass directions and distance from the factory significantly affected the geo-accumulation of heavy metals in the soil. The bio-accumulation factor and translocation factor indicated that the lowest accumulation and transport rates of the pollutants in plant species are generally met, with both factors being below 1. The results also demonstrated that the highest amounts of Pb, Cr and Cd were in the surface soil (0-15 cm) at 60.86, 115.38 and 3.97 respectively, in the northerly direction. Spatial distribution of heavy metals was strongly influenced by the prevailing wind direction (from south to north). Heavy metal concentrations reported in this study are ascribed principally to the cement factory and its long years of operation and continual processing over nearly 25 years.
