Geochemical fractionation of iron in paper industry and municipal landfill soils: Ecological and health risks insights

• Published in: Environmental research Vol. 250; p. 118508
• Main Authors: Borah, Pallabi, Mitra, Sudip, Reang, Demsai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Adult; Chemical Fractionation; Child; Environmental Monitoring; Fractionation; Hazard quotient; Health risks; Humans; Industrial Waste - analysis; Iron - analysis; Municipal landfill; Paper mill; Pollution indices; Risk Assessment; Soil - chemistry; Soil Pollutants - analysis; Waste Disposal Facilities; Paper mill; Hazard quotient; Municipal landfill; Fractionation; Pollution indices; Health risks
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118508

Industrial processes and municipal wastes largely contribute to the fluctuations in iron (Fe) content in soils. Fe, when present in unfavorable amount, causes harmful effects on human, flora, and fauna. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the composition of Fe in surface soils from paper mill and municipal landfill sites and assess their potential ecological and human health risks. Geochemical fractionation was conducted to explore the chemical bonding of Fe across different fractions, i.e., water-soluble (F1) to residual (F6). Different contamination factors and pollution indices were evaluated to comprehend Fe contamination extent across the study area. Results indicated the preference for less mobile forms in the paper mill and landfill, with 26.66% and 43.46% of Fe associated with the Fe–Mn oxide bound fraction (F4), and 57.22% and 24.78% in the residual fraction (F6). Maximum mobility factor (MF) of 30.65% was observed in the paper mill, and 80.37% in the landfill. The enrichment factor (EF) varied within the range of 20 < EF < 40, signifying a high level of enrichment in the soil. The individual contamination factor (ICF) ranged from 0 to >6, highlighting low to high contamination. Adults were found to be more vulnerable towards Fe associated health risks compared to children. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) index showed the highest risk potential pathways as dermal contact > ingestion > inhalation. The study offers insights into potential Fe contamination risks in comparable environments, underscoring the crucial role of thorough soil assessments in shaping land use and waste management policies. [Display omitted] •Geochemical fractionation unveils less bioavailable Fe in contaminated soil.•EF, ICF, and Igeo indicate high Fe contamination.•Adults are more susceptible to potential health risks from surplus Fe exposure.•HQ analysis pinpoints dermal contact as the primary pathway for Fe exposure risks.