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Heavy Metal Contamination and Risk Assessment in Soil–Wheat/Corn Systems near Metal Mining Areas in Northwestern China

Summary

Mining operations in Jinchang City have contaminated farmland soils with dangerous levels of nickel, copper, and cobalt. These toxic metals accumulate in wheat and corn crops grown in the area, posing serious health risks—especially to children. The study found that children consuming these locally grown grains face significantly elevated health dangers, and the contaminated soils require immediate cleanup before farming can safely resume.

Background

Heavy metals from mining and smelting activities accumulate in agricultural soils, threatening crop productivity and food safety. Jinchang City in northwestern China is a major nickel, copper, and cobalt production center that has experienced significant environmental degradation from prolonged resource extraction and metallurgical operations.

Objective

To investigate heavy metal (Ni, Cu, Co) concentrations and spatial distribution patterns in soils and staple crops (wheat and corn) near metal smelting facilities in Jinchang City, and to evaluate soil pollution levels and associated health risks to local populations.

Results

Mean soil concentrations exceeded regional background values: Ni 143.66 mg/kg, Cu 130.00 mg/kg, and Co 24.04 mg/kg. Wheat demonstrated greater heavy metal uptake than corn. Spatial distribution of soil Ni closely predicted grain Ni contamination. Non-carcinogenic hazard indices revealed elevated health risks for children consuming locally grown wheat and corn, with 87.5% of children exposed to health risks.

Conclusion

Severe complex heavy metal contamination exists in the region with shared anthropogenic sources. Wheat and corn cultivation for human consumption is no longer viable in the study area, necessitating immediate soil remediation and agricultural restructuring. The study provides a transferable risk management framework for mining-impacted regions globally.
  • Published in:Biology (Basel),
  • Study Type:Environmental Assessment Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41300268, doi: 10.3390/biology14111475
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