Quantitative Health Risk Evaluation of Soil Contamination by Potentially Toxic Elements near an Industrial Area in Central Greece

Abstract Urban soil pollution with Potentially Toxic Elements is a serious problem around the world. In this context, three urban settlements and the area around an industrial site in Central Greece were examined for soil enrichment with the PTEs As, Cr, Co, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn. The risk to humans was also quantified. Furthermore, possible correlations between PTEs presence were sought. Evaluation of PTE pollution was calculated via several enrichment indices. The risk to residents and to workers was assessed according to USEPA methodology, utilizing a series of refinements including a Monte Carlo probabilistic risk assessment. The examined sites were grouped, ranked and compared to each other through various statistical techniques. The Contamination factor was elevated for some elements in Industrial Zone 1, while average values of Pollution Load Index showed either moderate or slight contamination. Regarding ecological risk, Ni, As and Cd were the main drivers for all areas studied. There was a high risk for children for all three settlements; the carcinogenic risk was also generally elevated. The risk was mainly due to As, due to the stricter reference oral dose and oral slope factor adopted in 2025. Risk within the industrial zones was furthermore influenced by Cr concentrations. Ni, Cr and Co showed strong inverse correlation with the distance from the industry. All sites could be aggregated into 3 clusters of unequal size (high, intermediate and lower pollution status respectively). As sources in the area should be identified and efforts for decontamination should be made.