.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Return
Spatial distribution of metals in soils of an ecologically sensitive forest region of the Western Ghats, South India: vertical profiles, enrichment status, and health risk assessment
.png){kind=icon}
PRE
AI
A
C
R
P
U
DOI：10.1007/s10661-026-15806-z.png)
.png){kind=icon}
Original request for help.png){kind=icon}
Share.png){kind=icon}
Save
Abstract
En 中文
Vazhachal forest region in the Western Ghats, a globally significant biodiversity hotspot, is increasingly affected by metal deposition from anthropogenic activities. This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of depth-wise distribution, spatial patterns, ecological risk, and human health risk of metals in soils from this region. A total of 95 soil samples were collected from 19 locations across five depth intervals (0–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80, and 80–100 cm) and analysed using ICP-OES after acid digestion. Metal concentrations (mg/kg) followed the order: Fe (17535.01) > Ca (1240.56) > Mg (344.19) > Mn (338.87) > Cr (95.02) > V (91.89) > Zn (32.56) > Ni (26.02) > Pb (18.74) > Co (15.05) > Cu (12.35). Enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and contamination factor (CF) indicated moderate enrichment of Cr, Pb, and Co, particularly in surface layers, suggesting atmospheric deposition from vehicular and related anthropogenic sources. Source analysis based on enrichment factors and multivariate statistical analysis (Pearson correlation, PCA, and HCA) suggested lithogenic origins for Cu and Fe, anthropogenic dominance for Cr and Pb, and mixed sources for Zn, Co, Ni, and Mn. Carcinogenic risk (CR) and lifetime carcinogenic risk (LCR) for Cr and Ni ranged between 1 × 10⁻⁶ and 1 × 10⁻4, were within acceptable limits, while Pb (< 1 × 10⁻⁶) posed negligible risk. Ingestion was the primary exposure pathway. Although the overall ecological and human health risks were low, elevated concentrations of Cr, Pb, and Co near dam construction sites, tourist areas, and roadways suggesting the influence of anthropogenic activities. These findings emphasize the need for regular monitoring in this ecologically sensitive region.
Keywords:
Metals
Forest soil
Western Ghats
Enrichment status
Health risk assessment
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Journal
IF:
3
Papers:
2.1K
Citations:
3.5W
Organization
Cited Papers