Quantitative analysis of ecological risk and human health risk of potentially toxic elements in farmland soil using the <scp>PMF</scp> model

Abstract Potentially toxic element (PTE) pollution in farmland soil is a global problem. It vital to clarify the contributions of PTE from different sources potential ecological risk (PER) and human health risks (HHR), but existing research methods were incomplete. This study explored comprehensive scheme that combined source contribution assessment quantitatively assess PER, HHR priority sources. enrichment factor (EF) load index (PLI) utilized estimate features contamination soil. Furthermore, spatial distribution characteristics positive matrix factorization (PMF) distinguish ascertain PTE, PER model based on PMF applied evaluate Taking Puning District as an example, four allocated. For risk, area was at moderate hazard, with industrial activities (53.67%) contributing most. The mean Hg 69.82, reaching medium risk. risks, both adults children had no non‐carcinogenic area, natural greatest contributor, followed by agricultural activities. total carcinogenic (TCRI) values for 1.40E‐05 2.75E‐05, respectively, showing significant compared adults, children, whether or carcinogenic, higher than those adults.