Ecological and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils of Vegetable Base in North of Suzhou, Anhui Province, China

In order to investigate the pollution characteristics, potential ecological risks and health risks of heavy metals in the soil of the north vegetable base in Suzhou, Anhui, surface soil samples were collected from three vegetable growing areas in the urban (Northern) area, the contents of seven heavy metal elements (Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn and Pb) in the samples were analyzed, the accumulation and potential risk of heavy metals in soil were evaluated by using soil heavy metal pollution index, potential ecological risk assessment and health risk assessment. The results show that there are middle and light Zn enrichment and heavy Pb enrichment in this area according to the evaluation method of Pollution Index. According to the result of potential ecological risk assessment, the light ecological risk is the main risk in the study area. According to the health risk assessment, there is a non-carcinogenic risk from skin inhalation and a carcinogenic risk from hand, mouth and skin contact in adults and children, areas A and C of the site are major areas for reducing pollution and protecting human health risks.