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Abstract
High levels of trace metals in urban community garden soils pose human health risk due to the potential exposure through the ingestion of crops grown in contaminated soil and other exposures. This study assesses eight trace metal and metalloids (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) in a total of 54 soil samples collected from nine community gardens across Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2022 using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). There was a strong correlation between XRF and ICP-MS measurement (R2 > 0.8) for all elements except V. When the mean concentration of trace elements at each of the gardens was compared against the most stringent standard, none of the gardens had exceedances for Pb, Cd, and V. One specific garden had exceedances for Cr, Ni, Zn, and As. About 15% of soil samples had Pb concentrations exceeding 100 mg/kg. Mean Pb concentration measured by ICP-MS was 53.7 ± 40.2 mg/kg and 72.7 ± 53.7 mg/kg in raised bed and ground soil, respectively. It is important to conduct regular soil testing at community gardens in the areas with industrial activities. In addition, use of raised-bed with new soil and safe gardening practices, such as the use of gloves and changing clothes before entering homes, can help to reduce exposure.
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