The Distribution and Health Risk Assessment of Metals in Soils in the Vicinity of Industrial Sites in Dongguan, China

Abstract

Exponential industrialization and rapid urbanization have resulted in contamination of soil by metals from anthropogenic sources in Dongguan, China. The aims of this research were to determine the concentration and distribution of various metals (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)) in soils and identify their potential health risks for local residents. A total of 106 soil samples were collected from the vicinity of industrial sites in Dongguan. Two types of samples were collected from each site: topsoil (0–20 cm, TS) and shallow soil (20–50 cm, SS). Results showed that the soils were contaminated by metals and pollution was mainly focused on TS. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and pollution indexes (PI) implied that there was a slight increase in the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb, but the metal pollution caused by industrial activities was less severe, and elements of As and Cr exhibited non-pollution level. The risk assessment results suggested that there was a potential health risk associated with As and Cr exposure for residents because the carcinogenic risks of As and Cr via corresponding exposure pathways exceeded the safety limit of 10−6 (the acceptable level of carcinogenic risk for humans). Furthermore, oral ingestion and inhalation of soil particles are the main exposure pathways for As and Cr to enter the human body. This study may provide basic information of metal pollution control and human health protection in the vicinity of industrial regions.

Levels of heavy metals in soil and vegetables and associated health risks in Mojo area, Ethiopia

“…It can be clearly seen that both vegetable samples considered in this study are highly loaded with Hg residues and possibly imposing significant health risk to the population consuming the vegetables. The levels of Hg obtained in this study was observed to dangerously exceed the maximum limit value in vegetables as reported by Li et al, [53] and Liu et al [73].…”

“…The levels of Cr, Hg, Ni and Co in the soil sample under tomato cultivation were found to be 36. 23 [44] c [11] d [54] https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0227883.t003 [53] c European union standards [54] d Dutch target value [73] https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0227883.t004…”

The bacterial community structure and functional profile in the heavy metal contaminated paddy soils, surrounding a nonferrous smelter in South Korea

“…The heavy metals do not undergo microbial or chemical degradation, persisting for a long time after their introduction into the soil (Adriano, 2001). The pollution of the soils by the heavy metals poses a serious threat to ecosystems and human health (Liu et al, 2016). Studies have shown that the pollution by heavy metals affects plant growth and genetic variation, changes the composition of the soil microbial community, and reduces microbial activity (Ellis, Morgan, Weightman, & Fry, 2003;Hong, Si, Xing, & Li, 2015;Li et al, 2006;Linton, Shotbolt, & Thomas, 2007;Moffett et al, 2003;Müller, Westergaard, Christensen, & Sørensen, 2001;Singh et al, 2014;Xie et al, 2016;Zhou et al, 2011).…”

Distribution and Analysis of Heavy Metals Contamination in Soil, Perlis, Malaysia

“…Soil is very important fundamental of natural resource for human survival [1]. Plot of land is important for recycling and redistribution of nutritious elements.…”