Multi-element characteristics of drinking water and food crops in Keshan disease areas, Shaanxi Province, China

To investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of elemental content, especially other than selenium (Se), multi-element concentrations in drinking water, food crops, soils, and rocks from typical Keshan disease (KD) areas in China (Xianyang City and Tongchuan City in Shaanxi Province) were analyzed. The results revealed that levels of Mn, Mo, Ti, Se, and Fe in drinking water and food crops in the KD area were lower than those in the non-KD area. The mean daily Se intake from drinking water, corn, potato, and wheat was 1.32 μg/day, accounting for only 2.20% of the recommended daily intake of 60 μg/day established by the Chinese Nutrition Society. Although deterministic health risks were low, probabilistic Monte Carlo simulation indicated non-negligible cumulative risks from As and Cr. Significant positive correlations were observed between the content of Se, Ba, Fe, and Ga in rocks and water (p ≤ 0.05), as well as between Se, Cd, In, and U in soils and food crops (p ≤ 0.05). Deficiencies of Se and other elements in drinking water and food crops in the KD area were closely related to the element contents in rocks and soils, along with soil pH. • The contents of Mn, Ti, Fe, and Se in drinking water and crops in KD area are deficient. • Se, Ba, Fe, and Ga in drinking water in KD area are affected by bedrock. • Cd, Cs, In, and U in crops in KD area are affected by soils. • Soil pH has a significant effect on the content of elements in crops. • Suggestions for improving the intake of trace elements in residents are provided.