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From pollution to action: How soil extraction methods for potentially harmful elements influence human health risk
Agata Stolecka1, Agnieszka Gruszecka-Kosowska1
1AGH University of Krakow, Poland, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, Department of Environmental Protection, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|May 12, 2026
Summary
This study shows that soil element bioaccessibility, not just total content, is key for accurate human health risk assessment. Using bioaccessibility data reduces overestimated risks, guiding better soil management and remediation decisions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Assessing human health risks from potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in soils is critical for regulatory compliance and soil remediation.
- In vitro bioaccessibility extraction methods offer a more realistic approach to evaluating PHE exposure compared to total element content.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate human health risks associated with PHEs in soils using various in vitro bioaccessibility extraction methods and Monte Carlo simulations.
- To compare risk assessments based on total element concentrations versus bioaccessible fractions.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed concentrations of 13 PHEs (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Tl, Zn) in soil samples.
- Employed six in vitro bioaccessibility extraction methods (BCR, USEPA, ISO, UBM, SBET, PBET) alongside total element content (TC).
- Utilized Monte Carlo simulations to assess non-carcinogenic (HQ) and carcinogenic (CR) health risks for children and adults across different exposure scenarios.
Main Results:
- Fe, Mn, and Zn were the most abundant elements; Sb, Tl, and Sn were often below quantification limits.
- Total concentrations indicated potential health concerns for children in residential settings (HQ > 1) and high carcinogenic risk from As in agricultural settings.
- Bioaccessibility data significantly reduced estimated risks, demonstrating its value in realistic exposure assessments.
Conclusions:
- Extraction method choice critically influences soil remediation classification and risk evaluation.
- Bioaccessibility data provides more accurate and evidence-based assessments for soil management and regulatory decision-making.
- Prioritizing bioaccessibility assessments can lead to more effective and targeted soil remediation strategies.
Keywords:
BioaccessibilityHuman health riskIn vitro extractionPotentially harmful elements (PHEs)Probabilistic modelingRegulatory risk assessmentSoil contaminationMore Related Videos
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