Accumulation and health implications of metals in topsoil of an urban riparian zone adjacent to different functional areas in a subtropical city. Issue 3 (12th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zeng, Yue; Liu, Jian; Li, Yunqin; Wang, Qianfeng; Liu, Zhanming; Zeng, Jingyu
• Is Part Of: Journal of Environmental Quality. Volume 50:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 744
• Page End: 755
• Publication Date: 2021-05-12
• Subjects: Agricultural ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20216
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-2425

Abstract

Abstract: The riparian zone is a river–land ecotone, and its environmental conditions have a significant effect on the river ecosystem and population health. In this study, As, Cu, Cr, Cd, Mn, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the topsoils of urban riparian zones in a subtropical city in southeast China were quantitatively estimated by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry. The geoaccumulation index and health risk evaluation model were adopted to assess the accumulation characteristic and health risk of residents' exposure to metals. Principle component analysis was used to determine the source of metals. The results showed that the mean contents of metals (except Fe) were higher than the soil background value, but none of the metal contents exceeded the mass limit of environmental quality standards. The order of the geoaccumulation index was Cd > Mn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Zn > As > Ni > Fe. The contamination level of Cd was classified as slight, whereas the other metals did not contribute to pollution. The spatial distribution of metals in the riparian zone was compatible with the pattern of functional zones in the adjacent urban areas, where levels of Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn, and Ni were higher in commercial areas, as were Pb and Zn in under‐construction land and As in residential and industrial areas. Carcinogenic risks of Cr, As, and Pb were acceptable. The hazard index indicated no significant noncarcinogenic risks from any metals. However, noncarcinogenic risks of metals other than Mn were higher for children than for adults, and the primary exposure route of metal into the human body was ingestion for children and inhalation for adults. Principle component analysis indicated that the primary sources of Cr, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe were pedogenic processes and mineral weathering, whereas Zn, As, Pb, and Cd mainly originated from anthropogenic sources, specifically, Zn from transportation emission, Pb from transportation emission and industry waste, As from coal combustion and residential waste, and Cd from pigments/paint used in commercial buildings, urban greening, consumer waste, and transportation emission. Core Ideas: Metals in topsoils of urban riparian zone were studied. Cd was most polluting metal due to Igeo . Carcinogenic risks and noncarcinogenic risks of metals in topsoil were acceptable. Noncarcinogenic risks for all except Mn were higher for children than for adults. Zn, As, Pb, and Cd have been affected by anthropogenic activities.