Industrial Legacy and Glassmaking: Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment in Paraćin, Serbia

The glass industry contributes to long-term soil contamination. This study assesses the impact of over 150 years of industrial activity and over a century of glassmaking processes in the Serbian Glass Factory in Paraćin. Focusing on potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ecological and human health risks were evaluated. Sampling was conducted at 34 locations within the factory area, including 33 soil samples (0-30 cm) and one industrial waste (IW) sample. Soil analyses indicate that Zn, Ni, Cu, and Cd exceeded both the maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) and remediation values (RVs) in many samples, while As and Hg showed fewer exceedances. Based on the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), about 33% of soil samples were moderately to highly polluted, and Cd, Pb, As, and Hg were identified as the main contributors. High levels of PAHs and PTEs reflect the cumulative impact of long-term industrial operations, a historical fire, and secondary sources, including traffic-related emissions from nearby highways. These factors resulted in elevated total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for Ni, Cr, and As. This study highlights soil contamination and associated health risks at the glass factory, emphasizing the need for environmental monitoring and management.