Ecological and Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Topsoils, Southeast of Iran

Abstract

This study aimed to assess ecological and health risk of heavy metals (HMs) in the 35 topsoils in southeastern Iran. Ecological and health risks were assessed based on the EPA method. The order of the HMs followed as: Zn > Cr>Cu>Pb>As>Cd. All samples, except As and Cu, had the moderate enrichment and low to moderate pollution, respectively. The As in both regions and Cu in the city was classified in the lack to minimal enrichment and no pollution category. The studied HMs in both regions were shown a low ecological risk. There was minimal possibility of adverse non-carcinogenic effects. The Cr and As had an acceptable or tolerable carcinogenic risk from ingestion route (ELCRing) in both regions. According to the important role of As, Cd and Cr from the aspect of ecological and health risk, control of their sources must be considered to attenuate ecological and human adverse effets in the studied areas.

Keywords: Ecological risk; Heavy metals; Human health; Mont Carlo simulation; Soil pollution.