Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.4
4.1
Journals
Toxics
Special Issues
Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Human Health
share announcement

Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Human Health

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Metals and Radioactive Substances".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 8030

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ping Xiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Environmental Remediation and Human Health, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
Interests: indoor air pollution; human eye health; environmental pollution; food safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Chengchen Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Institute of Environmental Remediation and Human Health, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
Interests: heavy metals; soil pollution; oral bioavailability; bioaccessibility; environmental health; human health risk

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soil is a non-renewable resource. However, industrial and agricultural activity is often detrimental to soil health and can distribute heavy metal(loid)s into the soil environment, harming human and ecosystem health. The heavy metal contamination of agricultural soil and the resultant loss of crop yield are particularly alarming, as they put the most vulnerable people on the planet at greater risk of poverty and malnutrition. Soil pollution is closely related to human health, and includes exposure to contaminated soil, the ingestion of growing crops in toxin-contaminated soils, the inhalation of contaminated soil dust, or the inadvertent ingestion of contaminated soil. After being enriched in the body, even trace heavy metal ions may lead to serious diseases, such as itai-itai disease, Minamata disease, or even cancer. Consequently, there is an urgent need for greater awareness, policy interventions, and technological solutions to address the threat of heavy metal pollution in soil systems and mitigation strategies to overcome its potential impacts on human health.  

This Special Issue, entitled “Soil heavy metal pollution and human health”, aims to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers and practitioners to discuss advancements in soil heavy metal pollution, which poses serious health risks through diverse pathways. This Special Issue seeks to address the pressing global challenges associated with pollution in soil and crops, focusing on techniques and solutions that can safeguard human health and environmental sustainability. Authors are invited to submit original research papers, reviews, and short communications. The topics of interest may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Occurrence, fate, and transport of heavy metals in soil;
  2. Bioavailability and bioaccessibility;
  3. Human health and food safety;
  4. The one-health concept to promote soil, human, and planetary health;
  5. Novel strategies for removing heavy metals from soil;
  6. Case studies and practical applications of soil heavy metal pollution management approaches;
  7. Policy implications and regulatory frameworks related to soil pollution control.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Ping Xiang
Guest Editor

Dr. Chengchen Wang
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • heavy metals
  • human health
  • food safety
  • monitoring techniques
  • pretreatment methods
  • contaminant control approaches

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

22 pages, 4463 KB  
Article
Industrial Legacy and Glassmaking: Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment in Paraćin, Serbia
by Predrag Miljković, Jelena Beloica, Snežana Belanović Simić and Stefan Miletić
Toxics 2026, 14(4), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14040320 - 12 Apr 2026
Viewed by 650
Abstract
The glass industry contributes to long-term soil contamination. This study assesses the impact of over 150 years of industrial activity and over a century of glassmaking processes in the Serbian Glass Factory in Paraćin. Focusing on potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and polycyclic aromatic [...] Read more.
The glass industry contributes to long-term soil contamination. This study assesses the impact of over 150 years of industrial activity and over a century of glassmaking processes in the Serbian Glass Factory in Paraćin. Focusing on potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ecological and human health risks were evaluated. Sampling was conducted at 34 locations within the factory area, including 33 soil samples (0–30 cm) and one industrial waste (IW) sample. Soil analyses indicate that Zn, Ni, Cu, and Cd exceeded both the maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) and remediation values (RVs) in many samples, while As and Hg showed fewer exceedances. Based on the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), about 33% of soil samples were moderately to highly polluted, and Cd, Pb, As, and Hg were identified as the main contributors. High levels of PAHs and PTEs reflect the cumulative impact of long-term industrial operations, a historical fire, and secondary sources, including traffic-related emissions from nearby highways. These factors resulted in elevated total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for Ni, Cr, and As. This study highlights soil contamination and associated health risks at the glass factory, emphasizing the need for environmental monitoring and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Human Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 3669 KB  
Article
Heavy Metals in Iron Tailing Around River Sediments of Xiangshan: Status, Risks, and Human Health Threats
by Jun Chen, Guangcheng Xiong, Shutong Zhang, Xianghui Lv, Qiang Tang and Qiuhong Zhou
Toxics 2026, 14(4), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14040284 - 27 Mar 2026
Viewed by 569
Abstract
The heavy metal pollution linked to extractive activities has attracted broad public attention. To examine the current state of heavy metal pollution in river sediments around iron tailing zones, this study was carried out to evaluate the distribution features, potential sources, and environmental [...] Read more.
The heavy metal pollution linked to extractive activities has attracted broad public attention. To examine the current state of heavy metal pollution in river sediments around iron tailing zones, this study was carried out to evaluate the distribution features, potential sources, and environmental hazards of heavy metals (HMs, Cr, Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, As, and Hg) in the surface sediments of rivers in the Xiangshan area of Ma’anshan City. Results indicated that, except for Cr, the mean heavy metal concentrations exceeded the soil background levels in Anhui’s Huaihe River Basin. Variability in metal concentrations among the sediments was moderate, exhibiting an uneven spatial distribution. Significant positive correlations were detected between various HMs in the sediments, suggesting a common pollution source. Source analysis findings revealed that the HMs primarily originate from agricultural fertilization, mining, and smelting activities. Evaluation results from both the single-factor pollution index and the Nemerow comprehensive index indicated that the upstream section of the Caishi River is severely polluted by HMs. The potential ecological risk index evaluation results demonstrated that 85% of sediment samples from sampling points achieved a high comprehensive potential ecological risk level for HMs, with Cd, Cu, and Hg identified as the key contributors. The human health risk assessment demonstrated that both adults and children are subjected to carcinogenic risks from heavy metal exposure, with children exhibiting a higher risk level. This study offers valuable insights into managing heavy metal contamination in river sediments adjacent to iron tailings regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Human Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 793 KB  
Article
Environmental Risk and Management of Iron Tailings in Road Subgrade
by Xiaowei Xu, Dapeng Zhang, Jie Cao, Chaoyue Wu, Yi Wang, Jing Hua, Zehua Zhao, Jun Zhang and Qi Yu
Toxics 2025, 13(7), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13070603 - 17 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 995
Abstract
The utilization of iron tailings in road construction poses significant environmental risks due to the complex release mechanisms of pollutants and varying regional conditions. This study integrates an exponential decay model with an instantaneous pollutant transport model, employing Monte Carlo simulations to assess [...] Read more.
The utilization of iron tailings in road construction poses significant environmental risks due to the complex release mechanisms of pollutants and varying regional conditions. This study integrates an exponential decay model with an instantaneous pollutant transport model, employing Monte Carlo simulations to assess risks and regional characteristics. Results show high Potential Hazard Indices (PHIs) for arsenic, manganese, barium, nickel, and lead, with PHI values between 4.2 and 22.7. Simulations indicate that manganese and nickel concentrations may exceed groundwater standards, particularly in humid areas. The study recommends controlling the iron tailings mixing ratio based on climate, suggesting limits of 35% in humid, 60% in semi-humid, and more lenient ratios in arid and semi-arid regions. It also underscores the need for improved risk assessment methodologies and region-specific management strategies at the national level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Human Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 16893 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Potential Toxic Elements in Soils from Three Urban Areas Surrounding a Steel Industrial Zone
by Georgios Charvalas, Aikaterini Molla, Alexios Lolas, Elpiniki Skoufogianni, Savvas Papadopoulos, Evaggelia Chatzikirou, Christina Emmanouil and Olga Christopoulou
Toxics 2025, 13(5), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050351 - 28 Apr 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1714
Abstract
The urban zone around the city of Volos, a Greek city with a historically industrialized profile, faces threats arising from Potential Toxic Element (PTE) contamination. The scope of this study is to determine the contamination levels of 10 PTEs in three urban areas [...] Read more.
The urban zone around the city of Volos, a Greek city with a historically industrialized profile, faces threats arising from Potential Toxic Element (PTE) contamination. The scope of this study is to determine the contamination levels of 10 PTEs in three urban areas which are located near the industrial zone in the city of Volos. For this purpose, a total of 30 soil samples from parks, playgrounds and roadsides were collected from the Agios Georgios, Velestino and Rizomilos areas (Magnesia, Central Greece). The sampling was conducted in June 2022 and the concentrations of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) and zinc (Zn) were measured through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) revealed moderate pollution in most cases, whereas in some sites the contamination was significant for Ni or for As. Principal Component Analysis showed concomitant changes for some PTEs in Component 1 and for others in Component 2, explaining approximately 67% of the variation. K-means Cluster Analysis showed two distinct groups of PTE-impacted sites within these urban areas. It can be postulated that industrial activities may have a carry-over effect on the soil in residential areas. Frequent monitoring of areas deemed as “contaminated” and time-series data are needed to examine in depth the soil pollution in cities and its possible shifts in relation to the changes in industrialization status in the extended urban areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Human Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 3486 KB  
Article
Ecological Risk Assessment Is a Living Science: A Study on Heavy Metal(loid) Contamination in Typical Greenhouse Production Systems in Central China
by Tingting Ma, Peng Wu, Yongchuan Guo, Tian Lei, Shengbo Guo, Huajin Chang and Yongming Luo
Toxics 2025, 13(4), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13040312 - 17 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1730
Abstract
To clarify the heavy metal(loid) contamination characteristics and health risk in nine typical greenhouse production areas in Jingmen, Central China, the total concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in 176 soils and 332 vegetables were analyzed. Cadmium (100%) [...] Read more.
To clarify the heavy metal(loid) contamination characteristics and health risk in nine typical greenhouse production areas in Jingmen, Central China, the total concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in 176 soils and 332 vegetables were analyzed. Cadmium (100%) and Ni (4/44) exceeded the Chinese standard limits, while As (36/44), Cd (36/44), Cr (9/44), and Ni (1/44) exceeded the international soil quality standards. The As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb contents in all vegetables were over both the domestic and international standard limitations. The soil pollution levels of Hg and Cd and the potential ecological risk in Zhanghe and Lishi require more attention. Significant levels of Cu, Pb, and Cr in the soil and Hg, Ni, and Cu in edible vegetable parts were suggested to be mainly caused by daily agricultural production management. Although non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to vegetable consumers and greenhouse workers are acceptable across different age groups, more scientific management and remediation must be carried out simultaneously for sustainable production in the future, especially in GD and ZH. Updated standard values for the environment and food, together with the 2023 updated soil geochemical background values, should be applied in time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Human Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 1974 KB  
Review
Dermal Exposure to Heavy Metals in Urban Green Space Soils: A Review of Bioavailability, Toxic Mechanisms, and Precision Risk Assessment
by Yiping Cheng, Daolei Cui, Zhaolai Guo, Wei Hong, Yue Li, Chin Wei Lai and Ping Xiang
Toxics 2026, 14(3), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14030236 - 10 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1089
Abstract
Urban green spaces (UGSs) provide essential ecological services but also accumulate heavy metals (HMs) in their soils, posing a paradoxical health risk through dermal exposure. Traditional risk assessments, based solely on total HM concentrations, often overestimate threats by ignoring bioavailability (the fraction actually [...] Read more.
Urban green spaces (UGSs) provide essential ecological services but also accumulate heavy metals (HMs) in their soils, posing a paradoxical health risk through dermal exposure. Traditional risk assessments, based solely on total HM concentrations, often overestimate threats by ignoring bioavailability (the fraction actually absorbed by organisms) and dynamic skin microenvironment factors. This review synthesizes recent advances to propose a precision assessment framework that integrates bioavailability. The framework advocates for the incorporation of bioaccessibility (the fraction of pollutants dissolved in body fluids)-driven exposure metrics (e.g., physiologically based extraction tests), mechanistic dermal permeation models (e.g., Franz diffusion cells, 3D skin constructs), and population-specific susceptibility factors (e.g., children, individuals with compromised skin). We elucidate how soil properties (pH, organic matter) and metal speciation (e.g., Cr(III)/Cr(VI)) modulate cutaneous uptake, and detail toxicological mechanisms including oxidative stress, ferroptosis/cuproptosis, immunotoxicity, and pigmentation disorders. Case studies reveal heterogeneous HM hotspots in high-traffic and densely populated areas, while in vitro–in vivo extrapolation highlights the potential for misestimation in traditional models. Consequently, we discuss the limitations and future directions of this framework, aiming to shift UGS risk management from over-conservative assessment to bioavailability-based precision governance, thereby supporting the health security of sustainable urban habitats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Human Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop