Floristic survey, trace element transfers between soil and vegetation and human health risk at an urban industrial wasteland

This study aimed to determine the trace element accumulation in the soil and plants in an industrial wasteland and to estimate the extent of transfer to humans to measure the effects on and risks to vegetation and human health and find bioindicator plants representative of the levels of the main contaminants. In areas with the highest extractable trace element levels, we observed decreases in plant biodiversity explained by the disappearance of several families, favouring the coverage of tolerant species, such as Urtica dioica and Hedera helix. Trace elements were also found in the leaves of several plants, especially in a dominant species that is poorly studied, Alliaria petiolata. Indeed, this species had the highest contents of Zn (1750 mg.kg-1 DW), Ni (13.1 mg.kg-1 DW), and Cd (18 mg.kg-1 DW) found at the site and is a potential Zn bioindicator since its leaf contents were also representative of the Zn extractable contents in soil (R2 = 0.94). The hazard quotient and carcinogen risk revealed that most of the site had an identified or possible risk, mainly due to Pb and As. Native species, especially A. petiolata, could be used in phytoextraction to manage and limit these human and environmental risks.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the accumulation of trace elements in an industrial wasteland's soil and plants and determine the extent of transfer to humans. It also aimed to analyze the effects on vegetation and human health and identify bioindicator plants that represent the main contaminants' levels. The results showed a decrease in plant biodiversity in areas with high trace element levels, favoring tolerant species like Urtica dioica and Hedera helix. The dominant species, Alliaria petiolata, had the highest concentrations of Zn, Ni, and Cd, making it a potential bioindicator for Zn levels.