Status, influence factor and health risks of heavy metal(loids) in soil: A case study in Jiangmen, China

Abstract

The heavy metal(loid)s enriched in soil can pose a threat to soil environmental quality and human health. Given the rapid development of the Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Great Bay Area (GBA), soil pollution cannot be overlooked. To effectively tackle this problem and ensure precise prevention and control measures, accurate identification of pollution sources becomes indispensable.The present study involved the collection of 118 surface soil samples in Jiangmen city, with a focus on investigating the concentration, spatial distribution characteristics, sources, and health risks of heavy metal(loid)s in the soil. The findings revealed that the average concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Hg exceeded the background values, with particularly elevated levels observed for environmental As concentration. Elevated concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s were prdominantly concentrated in urban areas such as Pengjiang and Jianghai District. The qualitative and quantitative allocation of soil pollution sources identified through the coupling pearson correlation and PMF model, reveal that vehicle and shipping emissions, industrial emission and, parent material and agriculral activities are the primary contributors to soil pollution. Additionally, it is observed that shipping emissions significantly impact the source of soil Pb in Jiangmen. Futhermore, based on ecological risk assessment, the regions of Jianghai and Pengjiang exhibit the highest potential ecological risk with an RI value of 300. Health risks associated with different sources indicate that industrial emissions have the most significant impact on both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults in Jiangmen. This study provides a fundamental reference for heavy metal(loid)s contamination in the soil of Jiangmen City. Considering the future development of the GBA, local management authorities should enhance their focus on long-term pollution resulting from industrial production in Jiangmen and implement targeted control measures based on pollution sources.