Abstract
The application of organic fertilizer could be accompanied by potential hazards to soil and humans caused by trace metals. A wide survey of organic fertilizers was carried out in northern China. A total of 117 organic fertilizer samples were collected to analyze the concentrations of seven trace metals. Simulation models were used to estimate the trace metal accumulation risk in soil and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the human body. The concentrations of trace metals varied widely (Cr: 2.74–151.15; Ni: 2.94–49.35; Cu: 0.76–378.32; Zn: 0.50–1748.01; As: 1.54–23.96; Cd: 2.74–151.15; and Pb: 1.60–151.09 mg·kg−1). Chinese organic fertilizer standard limits were exceeded by0.85% for Cr, 5.98% for As, 1.71% for Cd, and 4.27% for Pb. Monte Carlo simulations showed that repeated application of organic fertilizer likely significantly increased the concentrations of Zn, Cd, and As in soil compared with the soil background levels according to the Soil Environmental Quality Standards of China. As and Cr pose high risks to human health, especially as carcinogenic risk factors with a skin exposure pathway. Reducing the content of Cr, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd in organic fertilizer would be of great significance for minimizing the damage caused by trace metals.
Highlights
The consumption of fertilizers in China is widespread
Among the 48 samples collected in North China, the trace metal contents varied significantly (Cr: 6.53–151.15; Ni: 3.54–16.9; Cu: 0.76–378.32; Zn: 0.50–1595.42; As: 1.54–23.96; Cd: 0.04–5.25; and Pb: 5.08–151.09 mg·kg−1 ), with variability coefficients of 50.38–138.36%
Among the 55 samples taken from Northwest China, the trace metal contents varied significantly (Cr: 2.74–36.34; Ni: 2.94–35.11; Cu: 4.55–355.52; Zn: 4.11–1748.01; As: 1.55–21.00; Cd: 0.03–1.73; and Pb: 1.60–55.98 mg·kg−1 ), with variability coefficients of 53.17–170.92%
Summary
The consumption of fertilizers in China is widespread. According to the China Statistical Yearbook (1953–2017), the annual use of chemical fertilizers in cultivated land increased from 78,000 tons in 1952 to 59.841 million tons in 2016, improving food production [1]. At the same time, increased fertilizer use has given rise to problems such as greenhouse gas emissions and compaction and acidification of soil [2,3,4]. To this end, in recent years the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural. Q p,i where Ti is the time scale (in years) needed to double the trace metal concentrations in soil from its background levels according to the Soil Environmental Quality Standard of China (GB15618-2018); Cs,i is the limit value of dry land in contaminant i at pH > 7.5, according to the Soil Environmental Quality.
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