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<p>The Greater Himalaya “Third Pole”, covering the Hindu Kush-Himalaya-Karakoram (HKH) ranges, represents intricate lithology, abrupt altitudinal gradients, and climate-driven geochemical fluxes that affect metal mobilization. Hence, for sustainable food safety, identifying metal dynamics in these fragile ecosystems is essential. This study evaluated spatial distribution, soil–plant transfer and ecological risk of heavy metals (HMs) using Sea buckthorn as a bioindicator across the high mountain ecologies of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), north Pakistan. Composite samples of soil, leaves and fruits were collected from 20 sites across five regions (Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu and Astore). Standard analytical procedures with appropriate quality control were applied to quantify HMs, followed by interpolation to assess geospatial heterogeneity. Ecological risk was evaluated employing contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and potential ecological risk index (PERI). Spatial analysis showed elevated levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in north-western regions (Ghizer and Gilgit), while Zn enrichment was higher in the south-eastern sites (Astor and Skardu). Matrix-specific partitioning emphasizes Zn dominance among essential metals, while of Pb among toxic metals. Correlation and factor analysis exhibited substantial inter-metal positive associations (<i>r</i> &gt; 90) imply shared lithogenic origins, while Cu–Zn antagonism suggests competitive uptake and selective translocation. Ecological indices consistently indicated low contamination with negligible ecological risk across studied sites of HKH ranges, with marginal Cd-associated risk. Collectively, EF, CF, Igeo, PERI, TF, and PCA suggest lithogenic, geomorphological, and pedogenic processes are the key drivers of HMs concentrations instead of sustained anthropogenic inputs. Overall, Sea buckthorn exhibited low bioaccumulation potential and efficiently exposed regional geochemical gradients, emphasizing it as a reliable bio-monitor in high-altitude ecosystems. Longterm temporal analysis with integrated human health risk modelling are recommended in this climate-sensitive region.</p>

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Spatial distribution of heavy metals and ecological risk assessment in Sea buckthorn across high-mountain landscapes of HKH ranges, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月2日

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  • Kamran Ali Khan,
  • Faridullah Faridullah,
  • Adnan Ahmad Tahir,
  • Muhammad Irshad,
  • Shaxina Tuyg’unovna Shukurova,
  • Farhan Hafeez,
  • Arshad Mahmood Abbasi

摘要

The Greater Himalaya “Third Pole”, covering the Hindu Kush-Himalaya-Karakoram (HKH) ranges, represents intricate lithology, abrupt altitudinal gradients, and climate-driven geochemical fluxes that affect metal mobilization. Hence, for sustainable food safety, identifying metal dynamics in these fragile ecosystems is essential. This study evaluated spatial distribution, soil–plant transfer and ecological risk of heavy metals (HMs) using Sea buckthorn as a bioindicator across the high mountain ecologies of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), north Pakistan. Composite samples of soil, leaves and fruits were collected from 20 sites across five regions (Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu and Astore). Standard analytical procedures with appropriate quality control were applied to quantify HMs, followed by interpolation to assess geospatial heterogeneity. Ecological risk was evaluated employing contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and potential ecological risk index (PERI). Spatial analysis showed elevated levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in north-western regions (Ghizer and Gilgit), while Zn enrichment was higher in the south-eastern sites (Astor and Skardu). Matrix-specific partitioning emphasizes Zn dominance among essential metals, while of Pb among toxic metals. Correlation and factor analysis exhibited substantial inter-metal positive associations (r > 90) imply shared lithogenic origins, while Cu–Zn antagonism suggests competitive uptake and selective translocation. Ecological indices consistently indicated low contamination with negligible ecological risk across studied sites of HKH ranges, with marginal Cd-associated risk. Collectively, EF, CF, Igeo, PERI, TF, and PCA suggest lithogenic, geomorphological, and pedogenic processes are the key drivers of HMs concentrations instead of sustained anthropogenic inputs. Overall, Sea buckthorn exhibited low bioaccumulation potential and efficiently exposed regional geochemical gradients, emphasizing it as a reliable bio-monitor in high-altitude ecosystems. Longterm temporal analysis with integrated human health risk modelling are recommended in this climate-sensitive region.