Distribution of Presumably Contaminating Elements (PCEs) in Roadside Agricultural Soils and Associated Health Risks Across Industrial, Peri-Urban, and Research Areas of Bangladesh

Agricultural soils near roadways are increasingly contaminated with presumably contaminating elements (PCEs), raising concerns for food safety and health risks in Bangladesh. This study quantified Mn, As, Co, Cr, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cd and Pb in roadside agricultural farm soils at three depths (0–5, 5–10, 10–15 cm) across industrial, peri-urban, and research areas using ICP-MS. The average mass fractions ranked as Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Cd with peri-urban soils exhibiting the elevated levels of Cr (80.48 mg.kg−1 and Ni (65.81 mg.kg−1). Contamination indices indicated Cd (Contamination Factor: 2.01–2.53) and Ni (Contamination Factor: up to 2.27) as the most enriched elements, with all sites showing a Pollution Load Index (PLI) >1 (1.07–1.66), reflecting cumulative soil deterioration. Cd posed moderate ecological risk (Er: 60.3–75.9), whereas other PCEs were low risk. Health risk assessment showed elevated non-carcinogenic hazard indices (HI: 7.87–10.5 for children; 3.72–4.78 for adults), with Mn, Cr, and Co as major contributors. Cumulative carcinogenic risk (CCR) values were dominated by Cr, reaching 7.22 × 10−4 in industrial areas and 3.98 × 10−4 in peri-urban areas, exceeding the acceptable range (10−6–10−4). Metal mass fractions were consistently higher in surface soils (0–5 cm) than at deeper layers, indicating anthropogenic deposition from traffic and industry. Multivariate analysis distinguished geogenic (Cr-Ni-Cu; Mn-Co-As) from anthropogenic (Cd-Pb-Zn) sources. These findings identify Cd and Cr as priority pollutants, highlighting the need for soil management and pollution control near roadways in Bangladesh.