Bioaccumulation and Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soil-Rice System in Karst Area, Southwest China

The accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in a soil–rice system poses significant issue concern agricultural soils, particularly the polluted or high PTE geological background regions, such as karst areas. source identification, bioaccumulation factors PTE, and its health risk were investigated by correlation analysis, principal components single/comprehensive assessments soil-rice Mashan County, Guangxi Province. results showed that mean contents rice rhizosphere soil samples higher than surface soil, but lower background. Of samples, 84.21% have Cd content exceeding environmental quality -- control standard for contamination land China (GB 15618-2018) screening value. Nemerow comprehensive pollution index indicated 21.05 26.32% moderately heavily polluted. pH-related exchangeable Ca, Mg, redox-related available Fe Mn affected rice. In all 55.26% 31.58% Pb exceed maximum allowable value contaminants recommended national food safety levels foods 2762-2017). average targeted hazard quotient values (THQ) decreased an order As > Cr Cu Zn Hg, degree it posed to population was Children Female Male. (HI) greater one due THQ more half above 1, which implied residents exposed non-carcinogenic ingestion. Therefore, area with can be absorbed migrated crops, leading humans, should paid attention future research management.