Pollution Characteristics, Sources, and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Surface Soil of Lushan Scenic Area, Jiangxi Province, China

A study on Lushan National Park reveals that while heavy metal concentrations in surface soil do not exceed pollution thresholds, arsenic (As) poses significant carcinogenic health risks to residents. Using the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index and geo-accumulation index, researchers assessed seven metals (Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn, Ni, As, Mn), finding non-carcinogenic hazards below safety levels but carcinogenic risks at an 'acceptable' level due to high As contributions. Six pollutant sources were identified: soil parent material, altitude, organic matter accumulation, industrial dustfall, local human activities, and tourism. The findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring of As risks while providing a scientific basis for sustainable development strategies in the scenic area.

Zhang, S., Ye, H., Zhang, A., Ma, Y., Liu, Q., Shu, Q., & Cao, X. (2022). Pollution Characteristics, Sources, and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Surface Soil of Lushan Scenic Area, Jiangxi Province, China. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.891092