Arsenic Concentrations in Vegetables and Soils in Dongguan and Potential Risk to Human Health

Pollution caused by over-content of arsenic in soils and vegetables produced in Dongguan City,Guangdong Province was analyzed.In order to make assessment more objective and assurable,118 agricultural soil and 43 vegetable samples were collected.Results showed that arsenic concentrations in soil ranged from 0.40mg/kg to 28.87mg/kg,with arithmetic mean of 12.95mg/kg,far higher than the background arsenic concentration of soil.62% of soil samples exceeded the content of heavy metal in Environmental Quality Standard for Soils of GB15618-1995.The spatial distribution showed that arsenic contents of agricultural soils are greatly different in different areas,with the order as western plain area,protected area,central transition area and southeastern hilly area.The main source of arsenic is from soil parent materials,with sources also including combustion of fossil fuels,lead-contained pesticide and fertilizer.Arsenic concentrations in vegetable samples also revealed excessive when measured by Maximum Level of Contaminants in Foods of GB2762-2005.Consuming vegetables with elevated arsenic concentrations may pose a health risk to local residents,particularly the young,elderly or ill.