Heavy Metal Contamination in Agricultural Soils of Central Bangladesh: Implications for Ecological Risk and Food Security

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh

10.22059/poll.2025.394768.2916

Abstract

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 the 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.

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Pollution

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 December 2025

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