ABSTRACT: It is imperative to understand the pollution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in different soils in order to determine the sustainable management approaches for soils. Potentially toxic elements (Fe, Mn, As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Co and Cd) were determined in agricultural, non-agricultural and industrial soils of Punjab, India. The concentration of PTEs at industrial soils were highest followed by non-agricultural and agricultural soils. The percentage change recorded from agricultural to non-agricultural soils for PTEs were 3.19% for Fe, 25.3% for Mn, 63.8% for Cu, 13.5% for Cr, 49.8% for Pb, 79.6% for Ni, 35.8% for Co and 32% for Cd. From non-agricultural to industrial soils, the percentage change observed for PTEs were 89% for Zn, 2.03% for Fe, 21.9% for Mn, 68.2% Cu, 9.2% for Cr, 35.
