Assessments of Pollution Status and Human Health Risk of Potentially Toxic Elements in Primary Crops and Agricultural Soils in Guanajuato, Mexico

The agricultural soils in Guanajuato, Mexico, are confronted with potentially toxic element (PTE) pollution due to long-term mining activities and sewage irrigation. The present study investigated PTEs, including Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, As, Cd, Pb, and F, in soil and corresponding crops from five farms. Meanwhile, the ecological risks of PTEs were evaluated through the Igeo (geo-accumulation index), TF (transfer factor), and HRI (human health risk index) indices. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis were applied to identify the sources of PTEs. The PTE profile distribution results showed that the As concentration range in soil was 0.98-10.96 mg/kg, which exceeded the allowed limit at some farms. The evaluation of Igeo and HRI indicators further confirmed the high ecological risk of As, and principal component analysis indicated that residual substances from mining activities were a substantial source of PTEs. This study represents the initial effort to establish the distribution of PTE profiles in agricultural soils within the Guanajuato area. It also conducts contamination evaluation and source analysis, presenting a comprehensive assessment.