Human health risk assessment based on a total diet study of daily mercury intake in Chengdu, China.

To assess the total daily mercury intake and main exposure sources of residents, six food groups, including marine fish, freshwater fish, poultry, livestock, vegetables, and cereals, were collected from five districts of Chengdu, China. The median concentrations of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were 12.8 and 6.94 µg kg-1 ww, respectively. Cereals (32.2%), vegetables (30.5%), and livestock (16.2%) contributed to a much larger extent to the total consumption for the participants in Chengdu. All food categories that contributed the most of THg (2.16 µg day-1) and MeHg 1.44 (µg day-1) to the daily intake in Chengdu were cereals and marine fish, respectively. The total Hazard Ratios values below 1 in this study indicate that there is no health risk associated with Hg ingestion from the consumption of these foods for the residents in Chengdu.

Selenium toxicity and bioaccumulation in selenium-enriched fly (Chrysomya megacephala) maggots.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for human health, and as a potential animal feed, the Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) fly is rich in protein and fat. By using different concentrations of sodium selenite (0, 30, 50, 70 mg kg-1), the possibility of biological Se enrichment in C. megacephala (Fabricius) maggots (CMMs) was investigated. The accumulation, Se speciation, enzymatic activity, and concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) in the maggots were also determined. Transcriptomics was also used to investigate the mechanism of the Se response to CMM genes. The results showed that the CMMs had a survival rate of > 80% at Se exposure concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 mg kg-1. The optimal concentration of sodium selenite for CMM growth was 50 mg kg-1, and the weight, protein content, and total Se accumulation of the larvae (10.8 g, 53.5%, and 72.6 ± 3.36 mg kg-1 (DW), respectively) were considerably higher than the control and other exposure doses (p < 0.05). In addition, Se improved the ability of maggots to absorb Cu and Zn, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid peroxidation, but improved the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Furthermore, Se negatively affected the absorption of Cd and Cr. According to the transcriptomic findings, Se supplementation can boost protein synthesis and control both antioxidant and non-antioxidant enzyme activity in CMMs. Therefore, our findings showed that Se-enriched CMMs may counteract the toxicity of Cd and Cr, and Se is an effective supplement for improving the consumption safety of cultured animals fed containing CMMs.

Percutaneous Penetration and Metabolism of Plasticizers by Skin Cells and Its Implication in Dermal Exposure to Plasticizers by Skin Wipes.

Numerous studies focused on the human exposure to plasticizers via dermal contact; however, the percutaneous penetration of plasticizers was seldom considered in exposure assessment. In the present study, skin wipes of palms, back-of-hands, and forehead were collected from 114 participants (ages: 18-27). There was no significant difference between the levels of phthalates from palms and back-of-hand, while all phthalates collected from the forehead were significantly higher than those from palms and back-of-hand (p < 0.001); di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate levels were substantially higher than other detected phthalates followed by di(n-butyl)phthalate and di(isobutyl)phthalate (DiBP), and for alternative plasticizers, bis-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate levels were substantially higher than acetyltributyl citrate and bis-2-ethylhexyladipate. Skin permeation and metabolism of phthalates was assessed using human skin equivalent models. The permeability coefficient (kp) values of phthalates were significantly negatively correlated with their log octanol-water partition coefficient (log Kow), while a significantly positive correlation was found between the log Kow and the cumulative amounts of phthalates in the cells. The proportion of phthalate intake via dermal exposure to skin wipes ranges from 1.3% (for dimethyl phthalate) to 8.6% (for DiBP) and suggests that dermal absorption is a significant route for adult phthalate exposure.

Co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and rice husk/ bamboo sawdust for biochar with high aromaticity and low metal mobility.

Blending waste biomass for co-pyrolysis is generally regarded as a promising method for reduced-volume, value-added, and hazard-free treatment of sewage sludge. Hence, a comparison was made of the co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge with rice husk and with bamboo sawdust (1:1, w/w) at 400 and 700 °C and the properties and behaviors of selected metals in the corresponding biochars. Biochar produced by co-pyrolysis with both biomass wastes had larger (5 × 5 rectangle) aromatic clusters than did the sewage sludge biochar (4 × 4 rectangle) using the rectangle-like model on the basis of biochar molar H/C ratio, indicating increased aromaticity of the co-pyrolyzed biochars. Moreover, the molar O/C ratio of the sewage sludge-bamboo biochar was much lower than that of the sewage sludge-husk biochar, especially after pyrolysis at 700 °C (0.02 vs 0.27), suggesting greater recalcitrance to ageing. Co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge with husk invariably resulted in a higher percentage of metals studied in the residual fraction than co-pyrolysis with sawdust at the same temperature, leading to a lower risk index (14.2) because of the maximum metal encapsulation in the sewage sludge-husk biochar at 700 °C. Overall, co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge with husk provided higher metal immobilization but apparently lower biochar stability than co-pyrolysis with sawdust. These results provide an alternatively practical strategy for the safe disposal of sewage sludge and biomass wastes.

The comparison of transcriptomic response of green microalga Chlorella sorokiniana exposure to environmentally relevant concentration of cadmium(II) and 4-n-nonylphenol.

The transcriptomic response of green microalga Chlorella sorokiniana exposure to environmentally relevant concentration of cadmium(II) (Cd) and 4-n-nonylphenol (4-n-NP) was compared in the present study. Cd and 4-n-NP exposure showed a similar pattern of dys-regulated pathways. The photosystem was affected due to suppression of chlorophyll biosynthesis via down-regulation of Mg-protoporphyrin IX chelatase subunit ChlD (CHLD) and divinyl chlorophyllide a 8-vinyl-reductase (DVR) in Cd group and via down-regulation of DVR in 4-n-NP group. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be induced through down-regulation of solanesyl diphosphate synthase 1 (SPS1) and homogentisate phytyltransferase (HPT) in Cd group and via down-regulation of HPT in 4-n-NP group. Additionally, Cd and 4-n-NP would both cause the dys-regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis. On the other hand, there are some different responses or detoxification mechanism of C. sorokiniana to 4-n-NP stress compared to Cd exposure. The increased ROS would cause the DNA damage and protein destruction in Cd exposure group. Simultaneously, the RNA transcription was dys-regulated and a series of changes in gene expressions were observed. This included lipid metabolism, protein modification, and DNA repair, which involved in response of C. sorokiniana to Cd stress or detoxification of Cd. For 4-n-NP exposure, no effect on lipid metabolism and DNA repair was observed. The nucleotide metabolism including pyrimidine metabolism and purine metabolism was significantly up-regulated in the 4-n-NP exposure group, but not in the Cd exposure group. In addition, 4-n-NP would induce the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and proteasomal degradation to diminish the misfolded protein caused by ROS and down-regulation of heat shocking protein 40. In sum, the Cd and 4-n-NP could cause the same toxicological effects via the common pathways and possess similar detoxification mechanism. They also showed different responses in nucleotide metabolism, lipid metabolism, and DNA repair.

Brominated flame retardants in home dust and its contribution to brominated flame retardants bioaccumulation in children hair.

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in house dust have raised significant concern around the world. However, few studies have reported the correlation between BFR concentrations in house dust and children's hair samples. In this study, BFR concentrations in house dust and children's hair were measured. Chemical analysis showed that the total concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in house dust ranged from 334 to 4444 ng g-1, with a median of 442 ng g-1, and the concentrations in children's hair ranged from 352 to 655 ng g-1, with a median of 530 ng g-1. In addition, two alternative flame retardants, pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) and hexabromobenzene, were frequently detected in house dust and human hair. BDE209 was the most abundant PBDE congener detected in both house dust and children's hair. A significant correlation was found between the integrated PCA score of BFR concentrations in house dust and in children's hair (r2 = 0.31, P < 0.05), indicating the great contribution of house dust to the bodily burden of PBDEs in children. Risk assessment indicated that children's exposure to PBDEs via non-dietary intake of house dust should be recognized as an important exposure pathway.

Ecological risks of heavy metals/metalloid discharged from two sewage treatment works to Mai Po Ramsar site, South China.

The concentrations of six heavy metal/metalloids (HMs) cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As) were determined in the influent, effluent, and dewatered sludge of two sewage treatment works (Yuen Long Sewage Treatment Work (YLSTW) and Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Work (SWHSTW)) and river waters and sediment (Shan Pui River and Ng Tung River) within the Mai Po Ramsar site in Hong Kong SAR, China. In both STWs, Pb had the highest removal efficiencies (YLSTW 86.5 ± 19.0% to 97.3 ± 3.04%; SWHSTW 87.4 ± 12.8% to 100 ± 0.0800%). In the whole effluent toxicity test, both STWs were effective in lowering the toxicity of the effluent to zebrafish and cherry shrimp. The environmental risk assessments of these HMs on three local aquatic organisms, three species of fish, two species of crustaceans, and three species of algae, were calculated based on measured HMs concentrations in river water and sewage samples, and the predicted no-effect concentrations. Results showed that Zn concentrations in all collected samples posed potential risks to all studied aquatic organisms (average risk quotient = 445). The concentrations of Cu in the rivers posed potential risks (average risk quotient = 5.42) to all fish species. It was concluded that Zn and Hg derived from the STWs might pose potential risks to the living organisms inhabiting the Ramsar site, and Cu, Cd, Pb, and As in the rivers were originated from the two rivers and possibly other tributaries.

Fermented food waste for culturing jade perch and Nile tilapia: Growth performance and health risk assessment based on metal/loids.

Food waste is a low-cost and nutritious source of feed which could be beneficial to the fishery industry. The objective of this study was to use fermented food wastes as major sources of protein to replace the fish meal used in fish feeds for culturing jade perch (Scortum barcoo) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Two experiments (a laboratory and a field trial) were conducted to test the suitability of the fish feeds for the two fish species. In the laboratory trial, six out of seven formulations (six food waste-based formulations and one commercial diet as control) were tested on jade perch whereas four out of the seven formulations were tested on Nile tilapia to study the effects of the diets on the growth performance and serum immunological parameters of fish. The formulations (Diet F and Diet A) with the best growth performance (feed conversion ratio (FCR) of jade perch (1.98) and Nile tilapia (1.28)) while having the lowest amount of fish meal (5%) were selected for field scale feeding trial. In addition, the percentage of fermented food waste ingredient in fish feed (Diet A and Diet F) was about 50% without causing significant effects on the immunity (P < 0.05) of the two fish species when compared with control diet. In the field scale feeding trial, FCR values of jade perch and Nile tilapia fed with Diet F and A were 1.06 and 1.16, respectively, which were similar to the control diet (P > 0.05). Metal/loids concentrations in fish tissue showed that both fish species fed with food waste-based pellets (Nile tilapia) Diet A: As (0.028 mg/kg), Cd (0.011 mg/kg), Cr (0.163 mg/kg), Cu (0.851 mg/kg), Hg (0.141 mg/kg), Pb (0.081 mg/kg) and Zn (30.8 mg/kg)) and jade perch Diet F: As (0.709 mg/kg), Cd (0.026 mg/kg), Cr (0.300 mg/kg), Cu (2.49 mg/kg), Hg (0.318 mg/kg), Pb (1.745 mg/kg) and Zn (40.9 mg/kg) were all below the maximum permissible levels of the local standard (As (AS2O3) = 6 mg/kg; Cd = 2 mg/kg; Cr = 1 mg/kg; Pb = 6 mg/kg; Hg = 0.5 mg/kg), while no permissible levels of Cu and Pb are stipulated by the standard. The results of the human health risk assessment indicated that the fish cultured with food waste-based diets were generally safe for human consumption (Hazard Index values: 0.075-0.054; cancer risk range: 2.14-8.15 × 10-6). The present study revealed that fermented food waste could serve as protein substitute in fish feed for the culture of quality jade perch and Nile tilapia for human consumption.

Profiles and removal efficiency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by two different types of sewage treatment plants in Hong Kong.

Sewage discharge could be a major source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the coastal waters. Stonecutters Island and Shatin Sewage Treatment Works (SCISTW and STSTW) in Hong Kong, adopted chemically enhanced primary treatment and biological treatment, respectively. This study aimed at (1) determining the removal efficiencies of PAHs, (2) comparing the capabilities in removing PAHs, and (3) characterizing the profile of each individual PAHs, in the two sewage treatment plants (STPs). Quantification of 16 PAHs was conducted by a Gas Chromatography. The concentrations of total PAHs decreased gradually along the treatment processes (from 301±255 and 307±217ng/L to 14.9±12.1 and 63.3±54.1ng/L in STSTW and SCISTW, respectively). It was noted that STSTW was more capable in removing total PAHs than SCISTW with average total removal efficiency 94.4%±4.12% vs. 79.2%±7.48% (p<0.05). The removal of PAHs was probably due to sorption in particular matter, confirmed by the higher distribution coefficient of individual and total PAHs in solid samples (dewatered sludge contained 92.5% and 74.7% of total PAHs in SCISTW and STSTW, respectively) than liquid samples (final effluent-total contained 7.53% and 25.3% of total PAHs in STSTW and SCISTW, respectively). Despite the impressive capability of STSTW and SCISTW in removing PAHs, there was still a considerable amount of total PAHs (1.85 and 39.3kg/year, respectively for the two STPs) being discharged into Hong Kong coastal waters, which would be an environmental concern.

Hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs) in paired maternal and neonatal samples from South China: Placental transfer and potential risks.

Hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs) are attracting more and more attention for the neurodevelopment toxicity effects. We evaluated the concentrations of 15 individual OH-PBDEs and 3 bromophenol (BRP) congeners in 30 mother-newborn paired placenta, breast milk, fetal cord blood, and neonatal urine samples collected from South China. The geometric mean (GM) concentrations of ∑OH-PBDEs were 37.6, 61.3, and 76.8pgg(-1) ww in placenta, breast milk, and cord blood, respectively. The GM concentrations of ∑BRPs were 47.6, 119, and 30.2pgg(-1) ww in placenta, breast milk, and cord blood, respectively. The GM concentrations of ∑OH-PBDEs and ∑BRPs in neonatal urine were 72.0 and 79.8pgml(-1), respectively. Of the 15 OH-PBDE congeners analyzed, the three most frequently detected congeners were 2'-OH-BDE-68 (72.1%), 6-OH-BDE-47 (67.6%), and 2'-OH-BDE-28 (65.8%). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of OH-PBDEs for the breast-fed infants was 9.31±4.00ngkg(-1) bw day. The accumulation of OH-PBDEs in newborns was much lower than the estimated lowest observed-effect concentration (LOEC) of neurotoxicity. The present study provided the first systematic fundamental data that exposure to OH-PBDEs for newborn and their mothers in South China.

Shark fin, a symbol of wealth and good fortune may pose health risks: the case of mercury.

There is a lack of information concerning human health risks due to exposure to mercury contained in shark fins, through dietary intake. Health risk assessment of shark fins, collected from 5 cities in China: Hong Kong (HK), Beijing, Shanghai (SH), Haikou (HN) and Wenzhou (WZ), was conducted, based on total mercury and methylmercury, and analyzed by a cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry equipped with high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results showed that 16.8 % samples from HK, 8.3 % from SH, 33.3 % from HN, and 16.8 % from WZ were regarded as unsafe for human consumption. Extremely high consumption rates of shark fins for an adult and a child (0.150 and 0.0807 kg/day, respectively), at 95th centile, samples from WZ demonstrated high non-cancer risks (adverse health effects) (Hazard Quotient = 16.0) on adults (aged 25-65), and samples from SH, HN and WZ also showed high non-cancer risks (Hazard Quotient = 12.9, 21.0, and 34.4, respectively) on children (aged 1-7). Consumption of shark fins may be detrimental to human health.

Hair Heavy Metals and Food Consumption in Residents of Chengdu: Factors, Food Contribution, and Health Risk Assessment.

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most pressing issues threatening food security and human health. This study assesses heavy metal (chromium, cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel, and lead) exposure via hair metal concentrations in Chengdu residents, reflecting metal intake from food consumption. From June 2020 to February 2021, a sampling survey was conducted on residents' hair (n=182) and food (n=301) in six main urban areas of Chengdu. The concentrations of heavy metals in hair and food were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the results showed that the residents of Chengdu City had high hair concentrations of Cd (0.17±0.03 mg kg-1) and Zn (293±21.3 mg kg-1). Gender significantly affected the hair Cr, Zn, and Ni concentrations. Based on the survey results obtained from Chengdu City residents, the habits and diet structure are assessed for the influence of six heavy metals in the hair of the residents. Adolescents' (13-18 years old) hair had significantly higher Pb concentrations than adults (19-59 years old). The concentration of Ni in hair was affected by perming and dyeing habits. For dietary exposure, cereals and meat were the main contributors to the residents' daily intake of heavy metals. The bioaccessibility of Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb in food was 2.45-74.67%, 10.6-78.7%, 13.4-82.5%, 8.89-89.2%, 7.70-85.1%, and 15.4-86.2%, respectively. In health risk evaluation based on the bioaccessible fraction of six heavy metals, the hazard quotient of each heavy metal in food was less than 1, indicating no potential non-carcinogenic risk.

Effects of sodium selenite, yeast selenium, and nano-selenium on toxicity, growth, and selenium bioaccumulation in Lucilia sericata maggots.

In this study, we investigated the effects of different types of selenium (Se) (sodium selenite [SS], yeast selenium [YS], and nano-selenium [NS]) on the toxicity, growth, Se accumulation, and transformation of Lucilia sericata maggots (LSMs). We found that the 50% lethal concentration of LSMs exposed to SS was 2.18 and 1.96 times that of YS and NS, respectively. LSM growth was significantly promoted at exposure concentrations of 10-50 mg kg-1 in group SS and 10-30 mg kg-1 in group YS, whereas NS inhibited LSMs growth at all concentrations (p < 0.05). Total Se content in LSMs, conversion efficiency to organic and other forms of Se, and bioaccumulation factor of Se were the highest in the SS group when exposed to 50 mg kg-1 (81.6 mg kg-1, 94.6%, and 1.63, respectively). Transcriptomic results revealed that LSMs significantly upregulated the amino acid (alanine, aspartate, glutamic, and tyrosine) and tricarboxylic acid cycle signaling pathways (p < 0.05) on exposure to Se, resulting in a significant increase in LSMs biomass and quality. In conclusion, our study indicates that LSMs exhibit good tolerance to SS and can convert it into bioorganic or other forms of Se.

AhR agonists screening and identification in indoor dust based on non-target chemical analysis by GC-Q-TOFMS and biological effect evaluation referring to ToxCast/Tox21 database.

Numerous studies reported the concentration of agonists of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in indoor dust by target chemical analysis or the biological effects of activating the AhR by indoor extracts, but the major AhR agonists identification in indoor dust were rarely researched. In the present study, the indoor dust samples were collected for 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) assay and both non-targeted and targeted chemical analysis for AhR agonists by gas chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Coupled with non-targeted analysis and toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast)/Tox21 database, 104 ToxCast chemicals were screened to be able to induce EROD response. The combination of targeted chemical analyses and biological effects evaluation indicated that PAHs, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and Cypermethrin might be the important AhR-agonists in different indoor dust and mainly contributed in 1.84%-97.56 % (median: 26.62%) of total observed biological effects through comparing toxic equivalency quotient derived from chemical analysis with biological equivalences derived from bioassay. DBP and cypermethrin seldom reported in the analysis of AhR agonists should raise great concern. In addition, the present results in experiment of synthetic solution of 4 selected AhR-agonists pointed out that some unidentified AhR agonists existed in indoor dust.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Chinese surface water: Temporal trends and geographical distribution.

PFAS, recognized as persistent organic pollutants, present risks to both the ecological environment and human health. Studying PFASs in surface water yields insights into pollution dynamics. However, existing research on PFASs surface water pollution in China often focuses on specific regions, lacking comprehensive nationwide analyses. This study examined 48 research papers covering PFAS pollution in Chinese surface water, involving 49 regions and 1338 sampling sites. The results indicate widespread PFAS contamination, even in regions like Tibet. Predominant PFAS types include PFOA and PFOS, and pollution is associated with the relocation of industries from developed to developing countries post-2010. The shift from long-chain to short-chain PFASs aligns with recent environmental policy proposals. Geographic concentration of PFAS pollution correlates with industry distribution and economic development levels. Addressing point source pollution, especially from wastewater plant tailwater, is crucial for combating PFAS contamination. Greater emphasis should be placed on addressing short-chain PFASs.

Microplastics removal mechanisms in constructed wetlands and their impacts on nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon) removal: A critical review.

Microplastics (MPs) are now prevalent in aquatic ecosystems, prompting the use of constructed wetlands (CWs) for remediation. However, the interaction between MPs and CWs, including removal efficiency, mechanisms, and impacts, remains a subject requiring significant investigation. This review investigates the removal of MPs in CWs and assesses their impact on the removal of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The analysis identifies crucial factors influencing the removal of MPs, with substrate particle size and CWs structure playing key roles. The review highlights substrate retention as the primary mechanism for MP removal. MPs hinder plant nitrogen uptake, microbial growth, community composition, and nitrogen-related enzymes, reducing nitrogen removal in CWs. For phosphorus and carbon removal, adverse effects of MPs on phosphorus elimination are observed, while their impact on carbon removal is minimal. Further research is needed to understand their influence fully. In summary, CWs are a promising option for treating MPs-contaminated wastewater, but the intricate relationship between MPs and CWs necessitates ongoing research to comprehend their dynamics and potential consequences.

Applications of charcoal, activated charcoal, and biochar in aquaculture - A review.

Environmental pollution and poor feed quality pose potential threats to aquatic organisms and human health, representing challenges for the aquaculture industry. In light of the rising demand for aquatic organisms, there is an urgent need to improve aquacultural production and protect the products from contamination. Char, a carbonaceous material derived through pyrolysis of organic carbon-rich biomass, has proven advantages in soil, air, and water remediation. While char's performance and the associated physicochemical characteristics depend strongly on the pyrolysis temperature, residence time, and feedstock type, char generally shows advantages in pollutant removal from the environment and livestock. This enables it to enhance the health and growth performance of livestock. Given the growing attention to char application in aquaculture in recent years, this review summarises major studies on three applications: aquacultural water treatment, sediment remediation, and char-feed supplement. Most of these studies have demonstrated char's positive effects on pollutant removal from organisms and aquacultural environments. Moreover, adopting char as fish feed can improve fish growth performance and the condition of their intestinal villi. However, due to insufficient literature, further investigation is needed into the mechanistic aspects of pollutants removal in aquatic organisms by char as a feed additive, such as the transportation of char inside aquatic organisms, the positive and negative effects of char on these products, and how char alters the gut microbiota community of these products. This paper presents an overview of the current application of char in aquaculture and highlights the research areas that require further investigation to enrich future studies.

Ecological and human health hazards of soil heavy metals after wildfire: A case study of Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture, China.

Soil samples were collected in at different depths from the conflagration area in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Region, China, to investigate the distribution characteristics and ecological and human health risks of heavy metals after a wildfire. The samples collected comprise wildfire ash (WA) above the soil surface, ash soil (AS) 0-5 cm, and plain soil (PS) 5-15 cm below the soil surface. Additionally, reference soil (RS) was collected from a nearby unburned area at the same latitude as the conflagration area. The results showed that the concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in the WA and AS were significantly higher than in reference soil (RS) (p < 0.05). Concentrations of Pb in the PS were 2.52 times higher than that in RS (17.9 mg kg-1) (p < 0.05). The AS and WA had the highest Index of potential ecological risks (RI > 600). In addition, The Cd in AS and WA contributed the most to the highest Improved nemerow index (INI) and RI with a contribution of more than 80%. The concentration of heavy metals was used to establish non-carcinogenic effects and cancer risks in humans via three exposure pathways: accident ingestion of soil, dermal contact with soil, and inhalation of soil particles. Hazard index (HI) values of each sample were all less than 1, indicating the non-carcinogenic risk was within the acceptable range and would not adversely affect the local population's health. The Cancer risk (CR) values of Cr, As, Cd, and Ni were all below 1 × 10-6, indicating that heavy metal pollution from this wildfire did not pose a cancer risk to residents.