University Of Tehran Press Pollution 2383-451X 12 1 2026 01 01 Heavy Metal Contamination in Agricultural Soils of Central Bangladesh: Implications for Ecological Risk and Food Security 102 114 105142 10.22059/poll.2025.394768.2916 EN Md. Humayun Kabir Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh Samir Ahmed Miazi Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh Rifat Shahid Shammi Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh Nowara Tamanna Meghla Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh Md. Sirajul Islam Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh Tanmoy Roy Tusher Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh Journal Article 2025 05 06 This study assessed the concentrations, distribution, sources and ecological risks of heavy metals in agricultural soils near industrial zones in Gazipur, Bangladesh. Thirty soil samples were collected in mid-January 2024 and analyzed for six heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Pb) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Average concentrations (mg/kg) were: Cr (7.47±1.93), Pb (6.88±2.30), Cd (1.95±0.60), Cu (11.64±2.61), As (2.55±0.85) and Ni (17.87±5.08). All metals, except Cd, were below the permissible limits set by Dutch, Canadian, and Australian soil quality guidelines. Multivariate statistical analyses suggested mixed lithogenic and anthropogenic origins of heavy metals, with industrial activities being the dominant source. Contamination factors (CF), contamination degree (CD) geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factors (EF) and pollution load index (PLI) analysis indicated safe levels for most metals, but Cd posed significant contamination and ecological concern. The potential ecological risk index (PER) showed low to moderate risk, though some sampling sites exhibited high risk due to Cd. These findings provide critical insight for policymakers to mitigate soil contamination and protect environmental and human health.  https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir/article_105142_e97821b15a5403ee8967d56f50ff9bbf.pdf