Identifying Sources of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil and it’s Implications on One Health

Soil contamination by heavy metals pose a significant threat to “One Health” (Ecological and human health). It results from a complex interplay of geogenic (natural) and anthropogenic (human-induced) factors. The growing concerns about toxicity and potential risks arising due to heavy metals has prompted us to carry out investigation in Malwa region of Punjab State, India. In the present research work, the concentrations of heavy metals (Aluminum [Al], Strontium [Sr], Cadmium [Cd], Antimony [Sb], Lead [Pb], Bismuth [Bi], Uranium [U], Chromium [Cr], Manganese [Mn], Iron [Fe], Cobalt [Co], Copper [Cu], Zinc [Zn], Arsenic [As], and Selenium [Se]) in collected soil samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), alongside key physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, soil texture, and major nutrient levels, measured through standard analytical techniques.

The results revealed that the mean concentrations of Cd, Bi, Zn, As and Se exceeded their concentration values in the Earth's crust. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that metals such as Fe, Al, Ca, Mg, K, Sr, Bi, Mn, Co, U, Cd, and As were predominantly of geogenic origin. In contrast, Cr, Cu, Zn, Sb, and Pb were primarily associated with anthropogenic activities. Agricultural practices were found to influence the contamination, as evidenced by elevated levels of nitrate (NO₃), phosphate (PO₄), sodium (Na), and pH in the soils.

The ecological risk assessments showed that Cd, Bi, As, and Se could pose significant contamination risks. Meanwhile, human health risk assessment indicates low carcinogenic risks for adults and moderate risks for children. This study also highlights the urgent need for targeted remediation strategies and enforcement of regulatory measures to mitigate heavy metal contamination and safeguard “One Health”.