Background: Non-biodegradation in nature and the creation of adverse health effects in humans is important features of heavy metals. The main purpose of this study was to determine the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of heavy metals As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, V, and Zn in the soils of industrial areas of Mahshahr port for adults and children.
Methods: To study the environmental effects of the petrochemical industry in the study area, sampling was performed from 47 soil points in the study area. Samples were taken from a depth of 0-10 cm of soil and analyzed according to the required acidic digestion method of Esposito et al. Ecological risk indices for determining the level of contamination and proposed relationships proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency were used to assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks.
Results: Descriptive statistics of heavy metal concentration showed that the highest average concentration of metals in the soil of the study area is related to Ni metal (70.89 mg/kg) and the lowest to as metal (0.32 mg/kg).
The carcinogenic risk of nickel and chromium in children and adults was estimated to be higher than other metals (CRI >1). In both age groups, the risk index for children was higher than for adults.
Conclusion: The results show that the presence of heavy elements in the soil of the industrial area of ​​Mahshahr port requires the implementation of bioremediation projects such as phytoremediation.