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Toxics
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Assessment and Remediation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil
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Assessment and Remediation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Toxicity Reduction and Environmental Remediation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 3615

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yangyang Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Henan Engineering Research Center for Control & Remediation of Soil Heavy Metal Pollution, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
Interests: heavy metal; risk assessment; remediation; soil; stabilization; safe production
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Heavy metal contamination in soil has attracted great attention globally due to its toxic, persistent, and non-degradable characteristics. The accumulation of heavy metals in soil–crop systems is accelerated by many anthropogenic activities, such as metal-mining/smelting activities, wastewater irrigation, and the application of fertilizer and pesticides. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the content of heavy metals in soil and crops in different regions and to evaluate their potential risk to local residents. Based on the evaluation results, some of the contaminated soils have to be remediated or the plantation structure must be adjusted to ensure the safety of local residents. There are many effective methods to remediate heavy metal contamination in soil and realize safe production in contaminated farmland, which can reduce the total content of heavy metals, increase the stability of heavy metals, or reduce the accumulation of heavy metals in crops. The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together contributions on all aspects of the assessment and remediation of heavy metal contamination in soil, including i) the risk assessment and source apportionment of heavy metals in soil; ii) the transformation of heavy metals in soil–crop systems; and iii) the remediation of heavy metals in soil–crop systems with various technologies.

Dr. Yangyang Wang
Guest Editor

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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 metal
  • risk assessment
  • remediation
  • soil
  • stabilization
  • safe production

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 4902 KiB  
Article
Ecological Risk Assessment and Source Identification of Potential Toxic Elements in Farmland Soil of Nanyang Basin, China
by Weichun He, Xiaowei Fei, Hao Guo, Guangyu Zhang, Mengzhen Li and Yuling Jiang
Toxics 2025, 13(5), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050342 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 72
Abstract
This study investigated spatial distribution features and ecological risks of eight potential toxic elements (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg) in surface soil samples (0–20 cm) collected from farmland in the Nanyang Basin, China. This research also aimed to analyze [...] Read more.
This study investigated spatial distribution features and ecological risks of eight potential toxic elements (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg) in surface soil samples (0–20 cm) collected from farmland in the Nanyang Basin, China. This research also aimed to analyze the sources of these elements. Its findings revealed that the mean contents of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg were 54.35, 26.57, 25.20, 82.09, 22.17, 8.27, 0.17, and 0.13 mg·kg−1, respectively, all of which were lower than their corresponding risk screening values. However, the mean contents of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Hg exceeded the background values of Henan Province. Spatial distribution analysis revealed that Cr and Ni exhibited similar patterns, with high contents primarily observed in the western part of the research area. Generally speaking, Cu, Zn, and Pb contents were higher in the south and lower in the north, whereas Hg, As, and Cd displayed a scattered distribution of high-value areas. Ecological risk assessment indicated that Hg and Cd posed relatively high risks, with their comprehensive ecological risk indexes (RIs) predominantly classified as moderate. Source identification suggested that As primarily originates from agriculture, Cd from industry sources, Hg from coal combustion, and the remaining elements from mixed sources, including parent material, transportation, and agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Remediation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil)
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24 pages, 3359 KiB  
Article
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Zirconia Nanoparticles Using Sonchus asper Extract: A Sustainable Approach to Enhancing Chinese Cabbage Growth and Remediating Chromium-Contaminated Soil
by Guojie Weng, Weidong Li, Fengyue Qin, Menglu Dong, Shuangqi Yue, Sajid Mehmood and Xu Wang
Toxics 2025, 13(5), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050324 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 178
Abstract
Chromium (Cr) contamination poses severe risks to plant health and soil quality, requiring sustainable remediation methods. This study explored the synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles (PF-ZrO2 NPs) from Sonchus asper extract and assessed their potential to alleviate Cr toxicity in Chinese cabbage ( [...] Read more.
Chromium (Cr) contamination poses severe risks to plant health and soil quality, requiring sustainable remediation methods. This study explored the synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles (PF-ZrO2 NPs) from Sonchus asper extract and assessed their potential to alleviate Cr toxicity in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis). The characterization of nanoparticles was performed through XRD, SEM, and FTIR analyses, confirming their crystalline nature, structure, and surface chemistry. The results indicated significant declines in plant growth, chlorophyll content, biomass, and nutrient uptake under Cr stress (treatments T2 and T4), accompanied by elevated oxidative stress indicators (H2O2, MDA) and Cr accumulation. The application of PF-ZrO2 NPs (T3 and T5) notably reduced shoot Cr concentrations (by 58.94% and 35.90%) and improved the chlorophyll level (by 5.41% and 14.41%). Additionally, nanoparticles increased antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, POD, CAT) and improved soil properties (pH, cation exchange capacity, nutrient retention). These findings suggest green-synthesized PF-ZrO2 NPs are effective, environmentally friendly candidates for Cr remediation in contaminated soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Remediation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil)
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14 pages, 1035 KiB  
Article
Background Values of Soil Heavy Metals in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain in Henan Province, China
by Yuling Jiang, Jianhua Ma, Yuanbo Wang and Yahan Yang
Toxics 2025, 13(2), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13020093 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 624
Abstract
Due to the continuous lack of specific background values (BVs) for soil heavy metals in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain in Henan province (HPHP), many researchers have used soil heavy BVs specific to Henan Province (HP) or Fluvisols of China (FC) as reference criteria to [...] Read more.
Due to the continuous lack of specific background values (BVs) for soil heavy metals in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain in Henan province (HPHP), many researchers have used soil heavy BVs specific to Henan Province (HP) or Fluvisols of China (FC) as reference criteria to assess soil heavy metal pollution. However, spatial differences in the soil heavy metal BVs between HPHP, HP, and FC, as well as within the HPHP, remain uncertain, affecting the reliability of evaluation results. A total of 897 surface soil samples were collected from the HPHP, with 336 and 561 samples collected from the southern and northern parts of the Shaying River, respectively. According to the obtained results, the BVs of soil Hg, As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni in the HPHP were 0.064, 6.67, 0.129, 53.24, 19.67, 22.87, 64.00, and 26.25 mg·kg−1, respectively. The BVs of soil Hg and Cd were higher than those in HP, Fluvisols in Henan Province, and FC, showing strong and extremely strong levels. The BVs of other soil heavy metals exhibited slight differences from the reference BVs. On the other hand, the BVs of soil Hg, As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni were 0.066, 4.11, 0.130, 56.72, 20.97, 23.31, 59.21, and 24.03 mg·kg−1 in the southern part and 0.061, 7.45, 0.129, 51.92, 18.96, 22.72, 66.96, and 27.16 mg·kg−1 in the northern part of the Shaying River, respectively. In addition, there were no significant differences in the Hg and Cd BVs between the two parts. Cu BVs in the southern part were significantly higher than those observed in the northern part, while the As, Zn, and Ni BVs in the northern part were significantly higher than those revealed in the southern part. In contrast, the Cr and Pb BVs in the northern part were significantly lower than those observed in the southern part. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Remediation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil)
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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 1216 KiB  
Article
Can N-Doped Biochar Achieve Safe Vegetable Production in Soil Heavily Contaminated by Heavy Metals?
by Ming Chen, Yangzhou Wang, Junchao Pan, Lin Zhong, Mengjiao Qiao, Chenyang Gao, Tianqi Li and Yangyang Wang
Toxics 2025, 13(2), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13020079 - 23 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 653
Abstract
Although the cultivation of food crops in farmland heavily contaminated by heavy metals is prohibited in China, vegetables can still be planted on a small-scale due to their short growth cycles and flexible sale models, posing a significant threat to local consumers. In [...] Read more.
Although the cultivation of food crops in farmland heavily contaminated by heavy metals is prohibited in China, vegetables can still be planted on a small-scale due to their short growth cycles and flexible sale models, posing a significant threat to local consumers. In this study, a pot culture experiment was conducted to investigate the feasibility of safe production through the in-situ stabilization of heavy metals in heavily contaminated soil. The remediation efficiency of wheat straw biochar and N-doped biochar, the growth of spinach, the heavy metal accumulation in spinach, and potential health risks were also explored. The results indicated that both biochar and N-doped biochar significantly affected the soil pH, cation exchange capacity, organic matter, available phosphorus, available potassium, alkaline nitrogen content, and spinach biomass, but the trends were variable. Additionally, the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic-extractable Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni concentrations decreased 9.23%, 7.54%, 5.95, 7.44%, and 16.33% with biochar, and 10.46%, 12.91%, 21.98%, 12.62%, and 12.24% with N-doped biochar, respectively. Furthermore, N-doped biochar significantly reduced the accumulation of Pb, Cd, and Ni in spinach by 35.50%, 33.25%, and 30.31%, respectively. Health risk assessment revealed that the non-carcinogenic risk index for adults and children decreased from 17.0 and 54.8 to 16.3 and 52.5 with biochar and 11.8 and 38.2 with N-doped biochar, respectively, but remained significantly higher than the acceptable range (1.0). The carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that the risk posed by Cd in spinach exceeded the acceptable value (10−4) for both adults and children across all treatments. These results may imply that biochar and N-doped biochar cannot achieve the safe production of vegetables in soil heavily contaminated by heavy metals through in-situ stabilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Remediation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil)
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18 pages, 1240 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Trends and Ecological Risks of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Cultivated Land of Songnen Plain, China
by Zonglai Liu, Jinying Li, Yanan Chen, Fengjun Zhang and Wei Feng
Toxics 2025, 13(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13010059 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 960
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils poses a serious threat to food security. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct risk assessments and issue early warnings about high levels of metal contamination for the sustained prosperity of agriculture. To assess the risks, identify the [...] Read more.
Heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils poses a serious threat to food security. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct risk assessments and issue early warnings about high levels of metal contamination for the sustained prosperity of agriculture. To assess the risks, identify the sources, quantify the amounts, and determine the extent of pollution from seven heavy metals, as well as to provide early warnings, 78 soil samples were collected from farmed lands in the Songnen Plain of Jilin Province. The average concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, Cd, Ni, and As were found to be 2.05, 1.5, 0.2, 1.09, 2.68, 1.53, and 1.17 times higher than the background values of Chinese soils, respectively. Source analysis indicated that toxic Pb originates from vehicle exhaust emission, while Cd, Cu, and Ni are attributed to industrial activities. Zn and As are likely associated with agricultural practices, and Mn predominantly stems from natural environmental sources. The geo-accumulation index suggests relatively high, accumulation levels for Zn, Cu, Mn, and Pb. Meanwhile, the single-factor pollution index indicates elevated pollution levels of Zn, Cu, and Cd. Potential ecological risk assessment reveals that certain areas within Changchun and Baicheng cities exhibit higher ecological risks. Notably, Cd has the highest potential ecological risk index (RI) of the seven heavy metals and warrants special attention. By analyzing annual pollutant accumulations, predictions can be made about the heavy metal content in four cities within the Songnen Plain, enabling the issuance of early warnings regarding soil heavy metal risks. The findings suggest that without proactive measures to mitigate heavy metal accumulation in soils, Changchun and Songyuan will reach severe pollution levels by 2031 and 2029, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Remediation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil)
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12 pages, 2251 KiB  
Article
Health Risk Assessment for Potential Toxic Elements in the Soil and Rice of Typical Paddy Fields in Henan Province
by Yuling Jiang, Hao Guo, Keying Chen, Xiaowei Fei, Mengzhen Li, Jianhua Ma and Weichun He
Toxics 2024, 12(11), 771; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12110771 - 23 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1124
Abstract
The accumulation of potential toxic elements in agricultural soil and rice is of particular concern in China. However, studies on the risk assessment of these elements in regional soil–rice systems remain limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the pollution status [...] Read more.
The accumulation of potential toxic elements in agricultural soil and rice is of particular concern in China. However, studies on the risk assessment of these elements in regional soil–rice systems remain limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the pollution status and potential health risk of potential toxic elements in typical paddy soil and rice in Henan Province. A total of 80 soil samples and corresponding rice samples were collected to determine the contents of Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni, and to assess their potential health risks to local consumers. Results showed that the average contents of these elements in soils were below the national risk screening values in GB15618-2018. Only the average content of Cr in rice exceeded the limit in GB 2762-2022 specified by the national food safety standard. The rates of exceeding the limits for Cd, Pb, As, and Cr in rice samples were 13.89%, 15.28%, 15.28%, and 27.78%, respectively. The health risk assessment indicated that rice intake for both adults and children caused carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks to varying degrees. Local residents are advised to purchase rice from outside the study area to meet their daily needs and strictly regulate the pollution of potential toxic elements within the area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Remediation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil)
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