Soil Quality Assessment at Nganglam, Bhutan
The study area considered for environment impact assessment (EIA) studies is an area covering 5 kms radial distance from proposed plant site in the foothills of Himalaya at Nganglam, Pemagatshel, Bhutan. Analyzing the soil samples collected from six locations in the study area has assessed the soil characteristics in the study area, especially the extent of pollution undergone by the soils due to various sources and reasons. Sampling locations were chosen to represent the soil quality of the study area. A preliminary reconnaissance survey was made to get a general picture of the area's land use. The activities around the sampling sites were also taken into consideration to learn the sources of pollution if any or factors governing the physico-chemical properties of the soil. To analyze the soil quality of the area and to assess the impact of industrial or urban activities on land environment with respect to any specific contamination, soil quality studies were carried out under EIA study.