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Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Health Risk Assessment Based on Monte Carlo Simulation: Case Study of Xicheng Lead-Zinc Mining Area

Author

Listed:
  • Lixia Wang

    (College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui 741001, China)

  • Qiang Liu

    (College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui 741001, China)

  • Ronglong Bai

    (College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui 741001, China)

Abstract

To investigate the status of heavy metal pollution and the associated ecological and health risks in farmland surrounding the Xicheng lead and zinc mining area, we collected soil samples (0–20 cm) and measured the level of As, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, and Cr. The characteristics of soil heavy metals, pollution levels, and ecological, and health risks were quantitatively assessed using Monte Carlo simulation in conjunction with the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution index (Pi), ecological risk index (Er), and human health risk assessment model. The results indicated that the average concentrations of As, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, and Cr in the soil of the study area were 26.92, 39.46, 31.18, 340.23, 1.13, 184.61, 0.34, and 71.15 mg·kg −1 , respectively. These values were significantly higher than the soil background levels reported for Gansu Province. The average Igeo for Hg was 3.27, and the average Er was 679.13, indicating that Hg had the highest accumulation and posed the greatest ecological risk in the study area. The average single-factor pollution index for Cd was 2.52, marking it as the heavy metal with the highest pollution level. The cumulative probability of health risk derived from Monte Carlo simulation indicates that the non-carcinogenic hazard indices for adults and children were 2.79 × 10 −1 and 1.67, respectively, with 94.82% of children exceeding the non-carcinogenic risk threshold. The carcinogenic risk indices (TCR) for adults and children were 8.09 × 10 −5 and 4.60 × 10 −4 , respectively, and 100% of the samples exceeded the TCR standard for children. As and Cd were identified as the primary contributors to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. The findings enhance our understanding of heavy metal contamination in farmland soils and establish an empirical framework for developing targeted remediation approaches and sustainable land management practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Lixia Wang & Qiang Liu & Ronglong Bai, 2025. "Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Health Risk Assessment Based on Monte Carlo Simulation: Case Study of Xicheng Lead-Zinc Mining Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:3963-:d:1644574
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yanhong Li & Huifen Kuang & Chunhua Hu & Gang Ge, 2021. "Source Apportionment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Agricultural Soils around the Poyang Lake Region Using UNMIX Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Minsi Xiao & Shitong Xu & Bing Yang & Guangcong Zeng & Lidan Qian & Haiwei Huang & Sili Ren, 2022. "Contamination, Source Apportionment, and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Farmland Soils Surrounding a Typical Copper Tailings Pond," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-15, November.
    3. Yuxin Ma & Xiaojun Yao & Jiahui Wang & Hongyu Duan & Jiayu Hu & Tongyu Wu, 2023. "Characteristics and Sources of Heavy Metal Pollution in Cropland near a Typical Lead–Zinc Processing Plant in Xieping Village, Hui County, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-15, October.
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