Spatial variability and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in mountain catchment soils across land-use classes

This research investigated the concentrations, spatial distribution, and health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface soil samples from a mountainous micro-catchment in Eastern Turkey. The PTEs examined were Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, with average concentrations increasing in the order Zn > Ni > Mn > Pb > Cu > Co > Cd.

Mean concentrations were generally low to moderate, but localized exceedances of Ni, Pb, and Zn were detected. Non-carcinogenic risks remained below critical thresholds for both adults and children, while carcinogenic risks were within tolerable limits for most locations, except for Ni at certain sampling points. Land use significantly affected the cumulative health risks, with degraded forest soils showing higher values.

Overall, the study area exhibits low non-carcinogenic risk and tolerable mean carcinogenic risk, but periodic monitoring is recommended due to Ni-related localized risks. This study was supported by Bingöl University and did not involve human participants or personal data.