Assessing ecological risks and spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in soils from anthropized environments in a watershed at the caatinga-Atlantic forest ecotone in Brazil

Understanding the processes of mobility and availability of potentially toxic elements in soil is crucial for informed decision-making in the development of public policies aimed at minimizing environmental impacts. Monitoring, in combination with the determination of natural concentrations, can pro...

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Published in:Environmental research 2024-05, Vol.249, p.118423-118423, Article 118423
Main Authors: Cardoso, Kaíque Mesquita, Nascimento, Clístenes Williams Araújo do, Lins, Simone Aparecida da Silva, Nascimento, Carol Chaves, Oliveira, Raiane Lima, Silva, Douglas Gonçalves da, Morais, Pâmalla Graziely Carvalho, Boechat, Cácio Luiz
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anthropogenic activities
Brazil
Environmental Monitoring
Forests
Heavy metals
Metals, Heavy - analysis
Pollution indices
Risk Assessment
Rivers - chemistry
Soil - chemistry
Soil Pollutants - analysis
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Summary:Understanding the processes of mobility and availability of potentially toxic elements in soil is crucial for informed decision-making in the development of public policies aimed at minimizing environmental impacts. Monitoring, in combination with the determination of natural concentrations, can provide effective tools for controlling pollution sources. In this study, enrichment, pollution, and ecological risk indices were used for some potentially toxic elements in an anthropogenically influenced watershed in southwestern Bahia, Brazil. The study involved 63 composite surface soil samples collected from areas with natural forest, crops, pastures, and urbanization. The samples were analyzed for fertility and particle size. Metal extraction followed the EPA 3051A method, and element determination was carried out via ICP-OES. The soils in the Verruga River watershed exhibit a high variability in fertility and granulometric attributes. The Kruskal-Wallis test at a 5% significance level was employed to assess the impact of land management on the availability of elements (As, Co and Pb), while Spearman's correlation, along with hierarchical clustering analysis, was used to comprehend element dynamics. Geostatistics were applied to identify pollution hotspots. Consequently, it became evident that potentially toxic elements can accumulate in the soil depending on land use and management practices (As, Co, and Pb), as well as the weathering process linked to the type of source material, such as diamictite deposits (Ni and Co). Soils in the Verruga River watershed qualify as having minimal enrichment, low pollution levels, and individual ecological risk concerning Cd. The percentage of samples enriched with Cu, As, Zn, and Cd exceeded 67%, with agricultural activities being the primary source of pollution. Meanwhile, in pasture and urban areas, Co and Pb were notably prominent, respectively. •The studied basin falls into the range of minimal to moderate pollution.•Management practices can accumulate potentially toxic elements in the soils.•The element Cd stands out in the individual ecological risk of the basin.•Results can be used by environmental agencies or organizations.
ISSN:0013-9351
1096-0953
DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2024.118423