Assessment of Cu and As in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Arable Land in the Vicinity of Bor (Serbia): Implications for Food Safety and Human Health

TL;DR

This study assesses copper and arsenic contamination in soil and wheat near a copper mine in Serbia, highlighting risks to food safety and human health.

Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive assessment of metal contamination and health risks in agricultural areas near a copper mine using multiple environmental indices.

Findings

Copper and arsenic concentrations in some areas exceed regulatory limits, with Slatina and Oštrelj being the most polluted.

MANOVA analysis showed significant differences in metal concentrations between soil and wheat tissues, especially for arsenic.

Indices like RI and PLI confirmed strong anthropogenic influence and location-specific environmental risks.

Abstract

Mining exploitation and copper smelting in Bor (Serbia) have led to long-term environmental pollution with toxic metals, primarily copper (Cu) and arsenic (As). The aim of this research was to assess the contamination of arable land and the bioaccumulation of metals in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), to determine significant differences in copper and arsenic concentrations between the soil and specific wheat tissues across six locations, and to evaluate environmental and health risks in agricultural areas around the Zijin Copper Mine, Serbia. Sampling was carried out at six locations (Brezonik, Veliki Krivelj, Oštrelj, Slatina, Zlot, and Gornjane; L1–L6, respectively). Analyses of soil and wheat to determine toxic elements were performed using the ICP-MS method, while contamination was assessed using descriptive statistics and a combination of several indices (CV, Igeo, EF, CF, Er, RI, PLI, BAF, TF, and HRA). In addition to Cu and As, accompanying elements (Fe and Al) were also included in the analysis, due to their importance as indicators of geogenic and anthropogenic origin. The analysis of the distribution within the root, stem, leaf, and grain of wheat enabled the assessment of bioaccumulation (BAF and TR) and implications for food safety (HRA). The results showed that concentrations of Cu and As at several locations significantly exceed the regulatory limit values, with Slatina-L4 and Oštrelj-L3 identified as the most polluted areas, while Gornjane-L6 can be considered a reference location with minimal risk. Background values were taken from location L6, considered a reference site due to the absence of direct mining and industrial influence (BCu—20 mg/kg, BAs—10 mg/kg, and Bref·Al—33,300 mg/kg). The MANOVA analysis revealed statistically significant differences in copper and arsenic concentrations between the soil and various wheat tissues, with the effect being more pronounced for arsenic. The integrated analysis of indices (RI and PLI) confirmed the pronounced anthropogenic impact and location-specific risks, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring, locally adapted remediation strategies, and sustainable land management.

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