Characteristics of Cd Contents in Vegetables Around an Abandoned Aluminum Factory and the Potential Health Risks

Wastes and dust discharged from aluminum factory generally result in soil contamination and may cause enrichment of Cadmium (Cd) in local crops. However, the pattern of Cd enrichment in the vegetables by contaminated soil of aluminum factory and their health risk are unclear. In this study, a total of 12 species of vegetables including 163 samples were collected around an abandoned aluminum factory. The results showed that 21% of the leafy vegetables with Cd exceeding Food Safety Standard Limit of China. The Cd in vegetables collected from different distances of four directions from the abandoned aluminum factory had no significant differences (p>0.05). Our results indicate that the highest hazard quotient (HQ) and carcinogenic risk of Cd in vegetables are 1 km and 7-10 km away from abandoned aluminum factory respectively. The HQ values of Cd in vegetables for children and adults are within the safe range, however CR values of Cd in vegetables for both children and adults are higher than the acceptable limit of USEPA (10(-6)), suggesting potential health risks. The health risks for children aged 2-6 years old are higher than aged 7-17 years old and adults due to the less amount of vegetable intake by children. The intake risks of Cd in different vegetables are spinach>green vegetables>red leafy vegetables>cabbage>radish leafy>stem vegetables>sweet potato leaves>pumpkin leaves>beans.