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<p>The contamination of agricultural soil by trace metals is a significant concern globally as it presents hazards to both human health and the environment. However, limited studies have explored the risks of trace metal pollution in major agronomic areas. This study involved the collection of agricultural soil samples from Southern Pothohar, Pakistan, to analyse the spatial distribution, correlations, source identification, and risk assessment of selected metals along with relevant physicochemical parameters. Metal concentrations in the soil were quantified through atomic absorption spectrometry after aqua regia digestion. Extent of pollution and health risks were evaluated using the contamination factor (C<sub><i>f</i></sub>), enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (<i>I</i><sub>geo</sub>), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR). Results showed notably higher average levels of Ca (9513&#xa0;mg/kg) and Mg (7490&#xa0;mg/kg), followed by with Fe (3149&#xa0;mg/kg) and K (641.6&#xa0;mg/kg). Multivariate analyses (CA and PCA) revealed considerable anthropogenic contamination of the metals in the soil. The pollution indices indicated very high enrichment and contamination for Cd, while Ag showed moderate enrichment and contamination. The estimated daily intake of the metals remained within the safe limits, implying tolerable non-carcinogenic exposure. However, the carcinogenic risk for Cr exceeded the acceptable threshold (&gt; 1.0 × 10⁻⁶), implying a potential lifetime cancer risk. Overall, the current study provides valuable insights into the agricultural soil contamination, its implications for public health, and the need for effective management strategies to mitigate metals’ contamination.</p>

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Evaluation of the environmental effects and potential health risks for trace metals in agricultural soil of Southern Pothohar, Pakistan

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月25日

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  • Maryam Batool,
  • Munir H. Shah

摘要

The contamination of agricultural soil by trace metals is a significant concern globally as it presents hazards to both human health and the environment. However, limited studies have explored the risks of trace metal pollution in major agronomic areas. This study involved the collection of agricultural soil samples from Southern Pothohar, Pakistan, to analyse the spatial distribution, correlations, source identification, and risk assessment of selected metals along with relevant physicochemical parameters. Metal concentrations in the soil were quantified through atomic absorption spectrometry after aqua regia digestion. Extent of pollution and health risks were evaluated using the contamination factor (Cf), enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR). Results showed notably higher average levels of Ca (9513 mg/kg) and Mg (7490 mg/kg), followed by with Fe (3149 mg/kg) and K (641.6 mg/kg). Multivariate analyses (CA and PCA) revealed considerable anthropogenic contamination of the metals in the soil. The pollution indices indicated very high enrichment and contamination for Cd, while Ag showed moderate enrichment and contamination. The estimated daily intake of the metals remained within the safe limits, implying tolerable non-carcinogenic exposure. However, the carcinogenic risk for Cr exceeded the acceptable threshold (> 1.0 × 10⁻⁶), implying a potential lifetime cancer risk. Overall, the current study provides valuable insights into the agricultural soil contamination, its implications for public health, and the need for effective management strategies to mitigate metals’ contamination.