POLLUTION CHARACTERISTICS AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN SOILS FROM ABANDONED COAL MINE IN NORTHERN ANHUI PROVINCE CHINA.

The heavy metals of soil around Qianling abandoned cola mine, Northern Anhui province, China has exceeded local background values, posing a serious threat to human health. The enrichment factor (EF), Pollution load index (PLI) and human health risk model (USEPA) were applied to determine the pollution characteristics and risk of heavy metals in soil in this study. A total of 32 samples were collected from topsoil (0-10cm). Compared with the Anhui province background values, Zn and As are the most prominent polluted, followed by Pb. The Qianling abandoned coal mine are at high contaminated and severely contaminated degree, accounting for enrichment of Zn and As. For Non-carcinogenic risk, the heavy metals would not cause risk on adults, but risk of children cannot be ignored, and oral ingestion are the primary way. For carcinogenic risk, the heavy metals would cause risk on both adults and children. Moreover, oral ingestion is the main expose pathway for adults, and inhalation via nose and mouth and dermal contact are the insignificant pathway for children. The outcome of this study provide a better understanding and guidance for pollution control and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]