Integrated Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal(loid)s in Soils near Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plants in Northeastern Serbia

Soil contamination with heavy metal(loid)s derived from anthropogenic activities adversely affects soil quality and agricultural productivity. This study aimed to assess the variations in As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations in soils from 23 sites, located at varying distances from the Kostolac thermal power plants in northeastern Serbia, and evaluated associated ecological and human health risks. The average concentrations of elements were below average values in the continental crust, with the exception of As and Hg, which were 8.44 and 1.75 times higher, respectively. The maximum allowable concentration was exceeded for Cu and Hg at the same sampling location, with Hg exceeding the limit at an additional location. The ecological risk assessment showed high As enrichment, and elevated enrichment of Hg, Pb. The highest values of pollution load index and potential ecological risk index were obtained at a single site. The total hazard index values for children were above the recommended threshold at three locations, suggesting potential health concerns for children due to cumulative exposure. Total carcinogenic risk values across all sites were within acceptable risk limits, with values slightly higher for children compared to adult.