Risk assessment and source apportionment of heavy metals in the soil–water-grain system in a typical area of the central Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

作者：Xinjie Zha, Jialu An, Liyuan Deng, Xue Gao, Yuan Tian · 发表于：Ecological Indicators · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1016/j.ecolind.2024.112801 · 被引用次数：10 · 研究领域：Heavy metals in environment、Geochemistry and Geologic Mapping、Radioactivity and Radon Measurements

• The geochemical characteristics of HMs were studied in soil-water-grain system. • The pollution status of HMs was evaluated using bioaccumulation factors, biotoxicity, and ecological risk indicators. • The ecological and health risks of HMs across different media were compared. • Health risks associated with HMs intake in children and adults were assessed separately. • A comprehensive evaluation method and data support were provided to address health issues in residents caused by HMs. Heavy metals (HMs) within the soil–water-grain system have substantial effects on both eco-environmental and human health. This study collected 232 samples (58 surface soil, 89 drinking water, and 85 highland barley) from the central Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) and analyzed the contamination characteristics, source apportionments, and associated risks of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb). The study employed geochemical normalization factors, biotoxicity assessment methods, ecological risk and health risk assessment models, and the Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model to assess the soil–water-grain system. The results showed no accumulation of HMs in highland barley, and no biotoxicity was observed. Soil was identified as the primary medium contributing to ecological and health risks, with overall risk levels ranging from slight to moderate, particularly higher in the northern and eastern regions of the study area. Cr posed non-carcinogenic risks to loc...