Spatial distribution and ecological risk of potentially toxic elements in peri-urban soils of a historically industrialised area.

ABSTRACT: The spatial distribution and ecological risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were investigated in the topsoil of a peri-urban area surrounding a historical industrial complex in the Scarlino Plain in southwestern Tuscany, Italy. Superficial (0-5 cm) soil samples from 44 sites within a 1.5-km radius of the industrial district were analysed for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Tl, V and Zn concentrations after microwave-assisted acid digestion with HNO₃ and H₂O₂. The results revealed significant contamination exceeding regulatory thresholds, predominantly caused by historical pyrite roasting and natural geochemical anomalies. The enrichment of As, Mn, Cu and Zn compared to European baselines was widespread, with As and Zn levels exceeding the

SUBMITTER: Monaci F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12289831 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature