Health risk assessment of trace elements (Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe) in agricultural soil in Kerman City, Southeast of Iran

Roghayeh Abedi Sarvestani (), Majid Aghasi () and Hadi Niknejad ()
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Roghayeh Abedi Sarvestani: Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Majid Aghasi: Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Hadi Niknejad: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2024, vol. 120, issue 1, No 17, 339-367

Abstract: Abstract Among environmental pollutants, trace elements are of particular importance due to their non-degradability and physiological effects on living organisms even at low concentrations. These elements gradually accumulate in the soil due to their low mobility and eventually enter the food chain, posing a threat to the health of humans and other organisms. Therefore, it is essential to study the distribution and concentration of trace elements in order to assess soil pollution and maintain environmental quality. In this research, a human health risk assessment of trace elements in agricultural soils in Kerman City was conducted. The study employed a descriptive-cross-sectional approach, involving the collection of 74 soil samples from agricultural lands. Additionally, 40 samples from rocks (lime, conglomerate) and wind sediments, alluvium, and platy sediments were collected. Furthermore, 41 soil samples were taken from residential areas and polluting areas such as car repair shops, gas stations, battery productions, car painting shops, and landfills. The concentrations of cadmium, lead, iron, and copper were determined using a graphic furnace atomic absorption system. The Nemrow comprehensive index method was utilized to qualitatively and quantitatively assess soil pollution, identify toxic sources, and evaluate anthropogenic effects. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with trace elements in agricultural soil were assessed using the recommended method proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, considering both children and adults. The results indicated that the mean concentration of trace elements, except for copper, in the agricultural soils studied was higher than the natural background level. According to the Nemrow index [contamination factor (CF) and pollution loading index (PLI)], the agricultural soils were heavily contaminated with lead (CF > 3), while the contamination levels of the target trace elements in all areas fell within the low pollution range (PLI ≤ 1). The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) revealed that the accumulation of lead in agricultural soils of Kerman City ranged from low pollution (0

Keywords: Agricultural soil; Health risk assessment; Trace elements; Kerman; Soil contamination (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-023-06218-0

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