ECOLOGICAL AND HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF LEAD Pb IN AGRICULTURAL SOIL NEAR THE MUNICIPAL LANDFILL IN THE CITY OF MOSTAR, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Abstract

The research was conducted with the aim of assessing the health risks to people caused by agricultural soil pollution with heavy metals, specifically lead, in agricultural areas near landfills in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Soil samples from seven locations were analyzed for lead concentration and chemical characteristics. The results showed high concentrations of lead in the soil at all locations, with the highest values in Buđevci 2 (203.90 mg/kg) and the lowest in Buđevci 4 (51.63 mg/kg). Using the Human Health Risk Assessment Model of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults were calculated, considering exposure pathways through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. The results revealed significant potential risks, with hazard quotients exceeding safe values at some locations. The non-carcinogenic hazard for adults is 5.58, while for children, it is 43.83. Furthermore, the Ecological Risk Index (ERI) was calculated to assess the overall ecological impact of heavy metal pollution in the soil. Based on the contamination factor (CF), moderate contamination was determined at all locations, while significant contamination was found at Buđevci 2. These findings indicate serious potential risks to the health of the population engaged in agriculture in these areas.