Related Environmental Risks Research Articles

Soil contamination by trace elements and radioelements and related environmental risks in agricultural soils of the M'Dhilla Basin (southwestern Tunisia).

Agricultural soil contaminated by phosphogypsum pile stocked in plan air remains a major problem in M'Dhilla city southwestern of Tunisia. The present effort aimed to enhance the knowledge of trace elements and radioactivity abundance and to assess the corresponding environment. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to evaluate the trace elements, radioactive elements, and major element concentrations. Our finding revealed that the mean values of U and Th in all the soil profiles ranged from 0.283 to 2.875mg.kg-1 and from 0.797 to 1.491mg.kg-1 respectively. The statistical analyses indicated that uranium abundance has non-significant correlation with the most of trace metals; it shows a moderate correlated with Sr and inverse correlation with P2O5. Contamination factors indicate that the studied soil ranged from uncontaminated to significantly contaminated. Thus, the pollution load index values classify the sites from background values to high pollution sites. The findings of this study will help improve the environmental conditions of M'Dhilla city by addressing contamination issues through targeted interventions. The study's findings highlight the importance of a periodic environmental monitoring such as soil remediation in the study area. This research fills a critical gap in the current understanding of contamination management in this region.

Crowdsourced data as a strategic approach to include the human dimension in outdoor environmental quality assessments

Outdoor environments extend living spaces as venues for various activities. Comfortable open public spaces can positively impact citizens' health and well-being, thereby improving the livability and resilience of cities. Considering the visitors' perception of these environments in comfort studies is crucial for ensuring their well-being and promoting the use of these spaces. However, traditional survey methods may be time- and resource-consuming to gather significant sample sizes, usually focusing on selected homogeneous samples. Crowdsourced data, then, has emerged as an alternative for assessing human perception, as it eases the collection of subjective feedback and potentially amplifies impact and inclusivity. This study presents a strategic approach for analyzing publicly available and willingly reported crowdsourced data from a digital mapping platform in outdoor comfort evaluations, aiming to verify whether these data are informative regarding environmental quality perception and to identify the environmental factors that people are most sensitive to. Urban parks located in New York City served as a case study. A multi-source, interdisciplinary information framework combined crowdsourced reviews with environmental data used to determine prevailing thermal conditions. Overall perception of parks was well-rated, revealing that their attractions and activities are probably the most appealing characteristics for park attendance. Regarding environmental perception, acoustic and thermal factors are clearly the most influential. Acoustics were well-rated, while the main aspect regarding the thermal domain is the recognition of shading as a mitigator for hot conditions. Environmental data provided complementary insights, particularly concerning the range of thermal sensations experienced in urban parks. The findings confirm that willingly reported crowdsourced data can provide valuable insights into urban crowd environmental perception, presenting a potentially suitable and effective method to include the human perspective in environmental quality assessments, as well as to evaluate and predict environmental-related risks.

Socio-cultural and Environmental Risk Factors for Leprosy in Jaffna District, Sri Lanka

This study was conducted to determine the socio-cultural and environmental risk factors of leprosy in Jaffna. A case-control study was conducted in dermatology clinic, teaching hospital, Jaffna from July 2015 to July 2016. All 97 cases and 291 controls by systematic sampling were recruited using interviewer-administered questionnaire.The mean age of cases was 41 (SD=21) and control was 48 (SD=20). Of 97 cases, 54.6 %( n=53) males; 99 %( n=96) Tamils; 79.4 %( n=77) Hindus; 60 %( n=59) above secondary education. Of 291 controls, 42.3 %( n=123) were males; 99.3 %( n=289) Tamils; 85.6 % (n=249) Hindus; 78.4 % ( n=225) above secondary education.Socio demographic factors (12 variables), house and environmental factors (11 variables), and behavioral factors (18 variables) were included in bivariate analysis and many were found to be significantly (p<0.05) associated with leprosy. Marital status, displacement, monthly income, presence of BCG scar, firewood as cooking fuel, and hunting reptiles were not found to be associated with leprosy. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant association between leprosy and - crowded household [OR4.5, (1.5-13.6)], non-availability of drinking water within 30 minutes walking [OR15.1, (2.3-98.3)], environment with shrub [OR2.9, (1.4-6.1)], exposure to shrub [OR2.7, (1.2-5.9)], exposure to leprosy patient [OR10.6, (4.1-27.5)], exposure to fishing [OR4.5, (1.5- 13.6)], visits to leprosy affected area [OR10.8, (4.7-24.5)] and unavailability of safe water source [OR3.3, (1.2- 9.1)]. In addition to the well-known risk factors environment-related risk factors, especially exposure to jungle/shrubs could play a role in the transmission of leprosy.

Assessment of biogeocenosis quality within the boundaries of anthropogenic impact on the sustainability of an industrially developed territory

Currently, the scientific community faces the task of identifying and minimizing the negative impact on the natural environment and related environmental risks caused by the impact on ecosystems, especially anthropogenic factors related environmental risks. The determining role in the assessment of environmental risk is to determine the probability of occurrence of effects of different nature in ecosystems because of anthropogenic factors and to take measures to prevent their negative impact. The purpose of the presented theoretical study was to study and analyze the principle of system-wide methodology of quantitative assessment of biogeocenosis quality within the boundaries of anthropogenic influence on the sustainability of industrially developed territory. The considered principle can provide prerequisites for making changes in the norms of nature management in Russia.

Heavy metals in surface sediments of Lake Patria wetland, southern Italy, and environmental risk

The study investigated the presence of heavy metals in the surface sediments of one of the most important wetlands in south Italy, Lake Patria, and the related environmental risk. Surface sediments were analyzed for particle size and shape, total organic carbon and As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn levels. Mean total organic carbon was high, 3.1 %, with a peak of 5.9 % near the input of freshwater channel whereas sediments appeared to be mainly composed of sand and/or gravel and significantly polluted by metals especially Cr, Cu and Zn. Data from heavy metals spatial distribution, Pearson correlation, principal component analysis and geochemical indices suggested dominant anthropogenic source for most metals. Mean Igeo values of Cr, Cu and Ni were in the range of 4.6–7.3 of strongly polluted class while their relative mean enrichment factors were largely exceeding the threshold of the anthropic pollution, 1.5. A very high pollution situation was also outlined when considering the Cf indices, with Cr, Cu and Ni possessing mean values from an order of magnitude of ten to hundred times higher the very high polluted class, 6 ≤ Cf. On the overall, the integrated indices of modified contamination degree, pollution load and ecological risk revealed a serious pollution scenario. The mean comprehensive ecological hazard index was fivefold the most critical limit, ≥600, in almost all the lagoon and especially in the locations close to channel.

Environmental risk assessment related to using resource recovery-based bio-composite materials in the aquatic environment with new laboratory leaching test data.

The concept of circular economy, aiming at increasing the sustainability of products and services in the water and other sectors, is gaining momentum worldwide. Driven by this concept, novel bio-composite materials produced by recovering resources from different parts of the water cycle are now manufactured in The Netherlands. The new materials are used for different products such as canal bank protection elements, as an alternative to similar elements made of hardwood. As much as these new materials are appealing from the sustainability point of view, they may leach toxic substances into the aquatic environment given some of their ingredients, e.g., cellulose recovered from wastewater treatment. Therefore, a methodology for the assessment of related environmental risks is needed and it does not exist currently. This paper addresses this knowledge gap by presenting a framework for this. The framework is based on European environmental risk assessment guidelines, and it includes four key steps: (i) hazard identification, (ii) dose-response modelling, (iii) exposure assessment and (iv) risk characterisation (i.e. assessment). As part of the first step, laboratory leaching tests were carried out to evaluate the potential release of specific chemical substances such as heavy metals and resin compounds into the aquatic environment. Laboratory test results were then used as input data to evaluate the risk of potential leaching from canal bank protection elements into surface water. A deterministic model was used first to identify the chemicals exceeding the guideline threshold. Subsequently, a stochastic model was applied to evaluate the environmental risks across a range of leachate concentrations and water velocities in the canal, thereby simulating a broader spectrum of possible situations. The risk analyses were conducted for four alternative bio-composite materials made of different ingredients, two different flow conditions (stagnant water and advective flow) in two types of canals (wide ditch and primary watercourse) and for two different water levels based on season conditions (summer and winter conditions). The results obtained from leaching tests identified Cu, Mn, Zn, styrene and furfuryl alcohol as potentially troublesome chemicals. In the case of stagnant water, the absence of a flow rate increases the residence time of the chemicals in the surface water, resulting in a higher PEC/PNEC (i.e. risk) value. However, under stagnant case conditions, environmental risks for all chemicals considered turned out to be below the safety threshold. In the advective case, the existence of a flow rate, even at low velocities simulating the conditions of 'almost no flow,' contributes to increased dilution, resulting in lower PEC/PNEC ratio values. The results presented here, even though representing real-case scenarios, are only indicative as these are based on laboratory leaching tests and a number of assumptions made. Additional field tests involving collecting and analysing water and sediment samples from the canal where the canal bank protection elements are located, over a prolonged period, are required to come up with more conclusive findings.

Suspended sediment dynamics and the related environmental risk assessment in a sensitive water area

Suspended sediment (SS) is a natural component of aquatic environments. It is characterized by the adsorption of pollutants, and its physical properties can affect water volume quality. In this study, SS dynamics were simulated using a 2D hydrodynamic model in the Nanji Mountain Nature Reserve (NNR), and the fluxes of pollutants caused by SS were calculated to assess the biological risks during the wet (May–August) and dry (November–March) seasons. High spatial and temporal variability in SS load within the NNR was found in this study. The average SS load in the reserve increased and then decreased during the year, and the SS input from Ganjiang significantly affected the SS load in the NNR (p < 0.01). The SS load uptrend in the NNR occurred later than that of Ganjiang during the wet season because of the SS sedimentation in the NNR. And the suspension of SS in the NNR during the dry season resulted in a later SS load downtrend compared to Ganjiang. High SS load from Ganjiang during the wet season was responsible for the high nutrient and microplastic fluxes in the NNR, which were 8.38 and 10.61 times higher than those in the dry season, respectively. And the pollutant fluxes during the wet season were almost all from Ganjiang. In contrast, higher waterbird diversity and population during the dry season is the main reason for the increased biological risk of contaminants. Therefore, monitoring and managing SS and its contamination concentrations in rivers entering the lake is helpful for the protection of ecologically sensitive areas and key species in the lake.

Analysis of Developing Commercial Bank Green Finance Programs

Contemporarily, global climate change and the depletion of traditional resources have fueled the rise of environmental awareness, making environmental protection and sustainable development an international trend. The active participation of commercial banks in green finance not only enhances their reputation but also helps to gain social support. The study discusses the importance of commercial banks' active participation in green finance in the context of global environmental protection and sustainability trends. The study highlights the theoretical and practical significance of Chinese commercial banks in green financing, and introduces the policy measures and innovative products of ML City Agricultural and Commercial Bank in promoting green finance in the region. In addition, the article mentions an innovative rural insurance product called "Green Farmer Insurance", which aims to help farmers cope with weather- and environment-related risks and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Theoretically, the green financial business of Chinese commercial banks is relatively lagging, and more relevant theories are needed to enrich and improve it. In fact, under the national strategies of peak carbon and carbon neutrality, green development has become an important theme that requires a large amount of green investment, and financial institutions are the main driving force of green finance.

Spatial distribution, related environmental factors and health risk assessment of microcystins in Lake Qilu, a eutrophic plateau lake

Spatial distribution, related environmental factors and health risk assessment of microcystins in Lake Qilu, a eutrophic plateau lake

Dampening energy security-related uncertainties in the United States: The role of green energy-technology investment and operation of transnational corporations

Several studies provide that the green energy transition is critical to attaining environmental sustainability. However, the extent to which investment in green energy technologies influence energy-related uncertainties is not well known. This study set out to investigate the effect of green energy-technology investment and operation of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) on the United States energy security uncertainties over the period 1974–2020. Applying econometric techniques using the Kernel-based regularized least squares (KRLS) and nonparametric multivariate quantile-on-quantile regression (MQQR), we show that green energy-technology investment dampens uncertainties related to energy security. The results also demonstrate that while economic expansion is negatively associated with the United States' energy security uncertainties, the operational behaviours of TNCs via direct investment by foreigners and trade openness amplify energy security uncertainty matrices. Furthermore, the effects of green energy-technology investment, operational behaviours of TNCs, economic expansion, and trade openness exhibit an inherent heterogeneity, leading to the asymmetric pattern in the distribution of the United States energy security-related uncertainties. Notably, these results are confirmed by the disaggregated models for energy security uncertainties with the exception of the environmental-related risks sub-index which dampens as a result of the operation of TNCs. Given these findings, the study suggests, among others, the need for government and policymakers to increase investment in renewable energy R&D technology to dampen energy security-related uncertainties and achieve a sustainable environment.

Circular Pathways to Sustainable Development: Understanding the Links between Circular Economy Indicators, Economic Growth, Social Well-Being, and Environmental Performance in EU-27

The transition towards the circular economy (CE) is one of the major priorities of the European Union (EU). By observing its benefits through the prism of sustainable development, this study aims to reveal the intricate relationships between the CE and the economy–society–environment nexus across 27 EU countries during the period from 2012 to 2020. Utilizing an extensive dataset comprising 243 observations drawn from the EUROSTAT database, we employed a panel data analysis. In this research, we quantified the impact of CE indicators on key dependent variables: GDP per capita (economic dimension), mortality, morbidity, and the welfare cost associated with exposure to environment-related risks (social dimension) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the environmental realm. The findings of our study illuminate the multifaceted connections between circular economy practices and the broader goals of sustainable development within the EU-27 context. The CE indicators aggregated at the EU level not only have a beneficial impact on the economy but also on society and the environment. The analysis reveals that each of the six explanatory variables incorporated into the models exhibits the anticipated relationship with at least one of the outcome variables. This research contributes valuable insights for policymakers, public authorities, and other stakeholders seeking to enhance the circular economy landscape in respective countries.

Uptake of Silver-Containing Nanoparticles in an Estuarine Plant: Speciation and Bioaccumulation.

Understanding the bioaccumulation of silver-containing nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) with different species, concentrations, and sizes in estuarine plants is critical to their related environmental risk. Herein, the distribution of Ag-NPs in tidewater, sediments, and plants (Scirpus triqueter) of field-constructed mesocosm was investigated, where tidewater was exposed to Ag0-NPs and Ag+ at environmentally relevant concentrations. Particle number concentrations (PNCs) and sizes of Ag-NPs with various species were analyzed using a multistep selective dissolution method followed by the single-particle- inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique. After 30 days of exposure, more than half of Ag0-NPs were dissolved to Ag+ and about 1/4 of Ag+ were transformed into Ag0-/AgCl-NPs in tidewater. Ag-NPs in stems exposed to Ag0-NPs were found to be dominated by metallic Ag, while Ag+ exposure led to more Ag2S-NPs in stems. In roots, 71% and 51% of Ag-NPs were found as Ag2S-NPs for Ag0-NPs and Ag+ treatment groups, respectively. Plant stems had a significantly higher enrichment of Ag-NPs than roots. Based on both random forests and structure equation models, it is suggested that salinity of tidewater can regulate Ag0-NPs in tidewater indirectly by influencing AgCl-NPs in tidewater and further affect the total PNCs of Ag-NPs in plant stems. Moreover, elevated sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) result in more Ag2S-NPs in rhizosphere sediments, thereby enhancing the bioaccumulation of Ag-NPs by roots.

“The toxic substance has killed all ducks”: framing of chemical risks related to the 2021 summer flood in German news media

BackgroundThe public understanding of environmental issues, such as chemical pollution due to flooding, is reflected and shaped by media representations and how these issues are framed. This study aims to identify how local, regional, and national German newspapers pick up and frame the issue of chemical pollution and related environmental and health risks regarding the 2021 summer flood using content analysis.ResultsThe analysis shows that chemical pollution is rarely addressed compared to other flood-related topics. We identified 189 newspaper articles published in the months following the flood, which specifically mention chemical emissions. Of these articles, 50 report only marginally on chemical pollution, while 36 focus on the factual description of chemical emissions without addressing the consequences of pollution. The remaining 103 articles address impacts of certain pollutants such as oil, pesticides, heavy metals, or dioxins. Using content analysis, we identified four narratives that were common in their broad storylines and used to create a problem frame: (i) Highlighting severe contamination of the environment with chemical pollutants causing serious environmental damage (31 articles), (ii) describing possible contamination but with uncertainty about the extent and consequences (39 articles), (iii) tending to give the all-clear and emphasizing that there is no severe long-term contamination (25 articles), and (iv) indicating continuous contamination that does not allow the all-clear to be given (8 articles).ConclusionsThe results suggest that flood-related chemical pollution does not receive much media attention. Where it does, coverage focuses primarily on the description of the “tangible parts” of pollution, and thus contamination by oil, depicted by both smell and oil streaks, is frequently addressed Articles indicating severe contamination suggest threats to human and environmental health as likely consequences. However, most articles only report the results of chemical monitoring in the contaminated regions, which are evaluated by experts. This contrasts with other topics of controversy related to the flood, such as climate change as a potential cause. In light of our study, we propose that media and science communication need to pay more attention to chemical pollution—in general and as a result of flood events.

Sex difference and risk factors in burden of urogenital congenital anomalies from 1990 to 2019

Urogenital congenital anomalies (UCAs) is defined as “any live-birth with a urinary or genital condition” and affects millions of men and women worldwide. However, sex differences and related environmental risk factors in UCAs burden on a global scale have not been assessed. Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we estimated prevalence, incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of UCAs from 1990 to 2019 by sex, region, and socio-demographic Index (SDI) in 204 countries and territories. The disease burden of UCAs was also estimated attributable to each risk factor were estimated according to risk exposure. In 2019, UCAs caused 10,200 all-ages deaths (95% UI 7550–13,400). The combined global incidence rate was 8.38 per 1000 (95% UI 5.88–12.0) live births. The ASIR increased slightly, while the ASDR decreased from 1990 to 2019.The UCAs burden varies greatly depending on the development level and geographical location. The UCAs burden was significantly higher in men than in women, and the sex differences showed an enlarging trend. Health risks and issues, including pollution, child and maternal malnutrition, diet habits, unsafe sanitation and water source, were detected to be positively related to UCAs burden. Albeit the age-standardised prevalence, mortality, incidence, and DALYs of UCAs have decreased, they still cause a public health challenge worldwide. The high deaths and DALYs rates in low and low-middle SDI countries highlight the urgent need for improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures. Global strategies for enhancing water safety, reducing pollution, and healthy diets are crucial steps in reducing the burden of UCAs.

An Overview of Impact of Agrochemicals on Human Health and Natural Environment

Agrochemicals exposure periods and levels, types of agrochemicals used and various environmental condition of the areas are factors for acute and chronic poisoning on human health and environment. Although agrochemicals are the result of modern technology that depends on inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, their continuous use against agricultural pest and disease vectors poses serious threats upon both human health and environment. Overuse of these chemicals have severe effects on human and environment that may lead to immediate and long-term effects. In developing countries, it is very difficult to find out the impact on the environment due to lack of awareness, training, and adequate knowledge for using agrochemicals. Investigating farmer’s awareness of agrochemicals residues and their behaviors regarding application is important in order to reduce human factors that negatively affect environmental safety. This review focuses on a summary of both national and international studies regarding the impact of pesticide and chemical fertilizer residues on nature, both human and environment. The review has revealed the hazardous effects like cancer, neural disorders, and other health related problems and environmental risks associated with agrochemicals exposure.

Review of the global evolution of regulations on single-use plastics and lessons drawn for Canada.

Plastic pollution is a global problem and many countries are strengthening their regulations to mitigate the related environmental degradation and health risks and to support the development and deployment of circular economy for various types of plastics. As Canada also develops its strategy for regulating single-use plastic as one element of the plastic pollution, aligned federal and provincial policies are essential. This study presents an analysis of existing and emerging policies to provide guidance on Canada's future regulations. Qualitative and quantitative data regarding plastic regulations were gathered from similar countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States and relevant scientific articles. Analysis was also conducted of current Canadian regulations that both impact and guide the path for plastic regulation, international examples provided guidance for future Canadian regulations. The analysis found that there is a need for public education on the gravity of plastic pollution to gain their support; for establishing pioneering provinces or cities in plastic regulations to learn from and provide other cities with support; and to start with banning items with available alternatives, to be followed by phasing out other items that are more difficult to replace. The study also showed potential areas of improvement in impact data. The need for reliable regulatory performance data against a baseline scenario; consistency in methodology; and proper scoping to reduce the risk of displacement or exclusivity in policy were identified.

Early biomarkers of neurodevelopmental disorders in preterm infants: protocol for a longitudinal cohort study

IntroductionPreterm (PT) infants are at high likelihood for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), which could considerably impair the...

STABILIZATION MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF OIL AND GAS EXTRACTION ENTERPRISES

The article substantiates the necessity of implementing organizational, technological and economic measures of environmental orientation, the purpose of which is to reduce environmental damage and significant economic losses, and therefore to improve the financial condition of enterprises. The latest scientific research in the direction of solving the problems of assessing the levels of environmental danger and related environmental risks of oil and gas production enterprises is analyzed. The importance of solving economic and environmental problems of oil and gas enterprises is shown on the example of an oil and gas production enterprise. Systematized external factors of natural, man-made, social origin as sources of danger and threats to the enterprise. The sequence of formation of the mechanism for preventing the occurrence of ecologically dangerous risk-events, the purpose of which is to identify the sequence of events leading to accidents, as well as the development of scenarios for the occurrence and development of accidents and the assessment of the probability of their occurrence, is given. Stabilization measures to improve the economic and environmental management of oil and gas production enterprises are proposed. The use of the obtained research results will allow to optimize management decisions during strategic planning by comparing the specifics of the oil and gas production enterprise with strategic changes in the external environment.

Synchrotron-Based X-ray Fluorescence Imaging Elucidates Uranium Toxicokinetics in Daphnia magna.

A combination of synchrotron-based elemental analysis and acute toxicity tests was used to investigate the biodistribution and adverse effects in Daphnia magna exposed to uranium nanoparticle (UNP, 3-5 nm) suspensions or to uranium reference (Uref) solutions. Speciation analysis revealed similar size distributions between exposures, and toxicity tests showed comparable acute effects (UNP LC50: 402 μg L-1 [336-484], Uref LC50: 268 μg L-1 [229-315]). However, the uranium body burden was 3- to 5-fold greater in UNP-exposed daphnids, and analysis of survival as a function of body burden revealed a ∼5-fold higher specific toxicity from the Uref exposure. High-resolution X-ray fluorescence elemental maps of intact, whole daphnids from sublethal, acute exposures of both treatments revealed high uranium accumulation onto the gills (epipodites) as well as within the hepatic ceca and the intestinal lumen. Uranium uptake into the hemolymph circulatory system was inferred from signals observed in organs such as the heart and the maxillary gland. The substantial uptake in the maxillary gland and the associated nephridium suggests that these organs play a role in uranium removal from the hemolymph and subsequent excretion. Uranium was also observed associated with the embryos and the remnants of the chorion, suggesting uptake in the offspring. The identification of target organs and tissues is of major importance to the understanding of uranium and UNP toxicity and exposure characterization that should ultimately contribute to reducing uncertainties in related environmental impact and risk assessments.

Environmental risk associated with accumulation of toxic metalloids in soils of the Odra River floodplain—case study of the assessment based on total concentrations, fractionation and geochemical indices

The floodplain soils are often heavily enriched in metal(loid)s released from the industrial areas. A related environmental risk depends on their total concentrations and the forms and conditions conducive to mobilization. This study was aimed to examine the concentrations of metal(loid)s in the Odra floodplain soils and to assess the risk associated with their possible contamination. In this study, topsoil and deeper soil layer samples were collected from the inter- and out-of-embankment zones. Total concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Mn and Fe, and their extractable fractions were determined in 1 M NH4NO3 (actual solubility) and by BCR sequential extraction. The environmental risk was assessed based on total concentrations, according to legal regulations, geochemical enrichment indices and extractability of elements, with considering soil morphological features. Some topsoil samples from the inter-embankment zone turned out considerably enriched in Pb, Zn, Cu, and As, as confirmed by geochemical indices. Zn and As concentrations in some samples exceeded the permissible values defined by Polish law. Zn and Mn showed a high actual solubility, but a simple experiment proved that it can be efficiently reduced by liming. BCR fractionation showed that all the elements occurred mainly in reducible forms. Therefore, the risk of their release from the layers that do not indicate redoximorphic features was assessed as negligible. The study showed that such a complementary approach is needed to assess the real environmental risk in the case of soils considerably enriched in potentially toxic elements.