biostudies-literatureUnknown10(13)Apori SOTechnological University DublinPeatlands, known for their ability to retain and immobilize heavy metals due to unique waterlogged conditions and organic matter, face challenges when subjected to disturbances such as land use changes. These disruptions alter the organic matter, redox potential, and pH of the peatsoil, potentially influencing the migration, mobilization, and increased availability of stored heavy metals. Peatsoil samples from various peatland use types (improved and semi-natural grassland, forest, industrial cutaway bog) were collected to assess the human health and ecological risk associated with heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) in Co-Offaly, Ireland. Results reveal variations in heavy metal concentrations across peatland use types, with Cd, Hg, and Pb in improved and semi-natural grassland peatsoilHeliyone33624https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11260962biostudies-literatureHuman health and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in topsoil of different peatland use types.PMC11260962Apori SOTian FGiltrap MDunne JfalseHuman health and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in topsoil of different peatland use types.Peatlands, known for their ability to retain and immobilize heavy metals due to unique waterlogged conditions and organic matter, face challenges when subjected to disturbances such as land use changes. These disruptions alter the organic matter, redox potential, and pH of the peatsoil, potentially influencing the migration, mobilization, and increased availability of stored heavy metals. Peatsoil samples from various peatland use types (improved and semi-natural grassland, forest, industrial cutaway bog) were collected to assess the human health and ecological risk associated with heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) in Co-Offaly, Ireland. Results reveal variations in heavy metal concentrations across peatland use types, with Cd, Hg, and Pb in improved and semi-natural grassland peatsoil2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Jul2025-05-18T13:26:13.066Z2025-05-18T13:26:13.066ZS-EPMC112609623904041810.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33624