Risk Assessment Of Heavy Metals Research Articles

Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Soil of a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Site

ABSTRACT With the excavation of landfill sites, the disposal and reduction of organic-rich soils with high proportions of heavy metals have become urgent issues. This study focuses on the pollution characteristics and ecological risks associated with heavy metals in the humus soil of a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill. The results indicate that the concentrations of heavy metals in the humus soil followed the sequence of Cu > Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni > As > Cd > Hg, and Cu and Cd exhibited the highest exceedance multiples. Except for Cr, the concentrations of the heavy metals in the humus soil were higher than those in combustible components, with a strong Hg correlation. Heavy metal forms indicate varying degrees of mobility and stability; Cr, As, Hg, and Pb were stable, while Ni, Cd, Cu, and Zn showed higher mobility. The results of the principal component analysis reveal that heavy metals primarily originate from industrial and agricultural waste. Finally, the geoaccumulation index of the metals indicated that Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb exhibited severe contamination. Most importantly, Cd posed the greatest environmental risk as it has the highest effective content, bioavailability, and mobility. This study provides a scientific foundation for mitigating heavy metal pollution in the humus soil of landfill sites.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in Malay herbal medicine (MHM) consumed by pregnant and postpartum mothers

BackgroundMalay herbal medicine (MHM) is a popular medication and supplementation among Malaysian mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. It is expected to improve the baby’s health, increase breastmilk production, promote slimming and uterine involution, and improve the mother’s general health. Recent increases in reports of heavy metal contamination have raised safety concerns.ObjectiveThis pilot exploratory study employed a comparative cross-sectional design to investigate the types of MHM ingested during pregnancy and postpartum, their possible heavy metal contamination and associated health risks.MethodThis study involved 167 healthy postpartum Malay women.FindingsMHM consumption was significantly associated with the mother’s number of pregnancies and children (p < 0.05) as well as her pre-pregnancy weight (p < 0.05). Mothers who consume MHM were twice as likely (95% CI 1.077–3.963) to experience threatened abortion. Heavy metals were detected in the three most widely consumed MHM samples. The mean concentration of heavy metals in these samples were 47.44 ± 67.74 μg/kg for As, 25.34 ± 2.48 μg/kg for Cd, 3685.87 ± 5683.36 μg/kg for Cr and 194.33 ± 195.19 μg/kg for Pb. The calculated non-carcinogenic hazard health risks (HQ) and health index (HI) were less than one, suggesting no adverse health impacts under the exposure conditions studied.ConclusionWhile the HQ and HI values indicate no immediate health risks, the potential transfer from mother to foetus during pregnancy and from mother to infant during breastfeeding warrants further investigation. Additional studies are essential to confirm our findings and monitor the health of mothers and infants.

Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in residential soil-Houston, Texas.

Human health risk assessment increasingly recognizes the need to integrate participatory-based research, geospatial analysis, and environmental epidemiology, particularly to address contamination concerns in underserved and disadvantaged communities. Here, we demonstrate the combined application of such methods within the Greater Fifth Ward neighborhood in Northeast Houston. In particular, in tandem with community members, we collected soil samples from 193 residential sites using a complete canvassing method from July to November 2021 to characterize contaminant concentrations, focusing on heavy metals and metalloids As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Pb, Se, Ag, and Hg measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Individual heavy metals as well as cumulative cancer and non-cancer risks were calculated for children and adults using the USEPA Regional Soil Screening Levels and benchmarks for specific land uses, such as crop growing. Soils from most sites had low or typical background levels expected in urban areas, but samples from several locations had significantly elevated lead levels (>1200 mg/kg) that warrant additional examination. Geospatial analysis suggested clustering of heavy metal contaminants within one geographic area of the neighborhood. This study highlights how participatory research in underserved environmental justice communities can help characterize current conditions as well as establish priorities for future investigation.

Distribution and ecological health risk assessment of heavy metals in damietta branch of Nile River, Egypt

ABSTRACT The Nile River is one of the longest rivers in the world, serving as the lifeline of many countries. The river is subjected to significant anthropogenic pressures, and thus, understanding the magnitude of contamination and its possible consequences is needed. This research aimed to evaluate the presence of heavy metals in the surface water of an understudied region within the Nile River. The distribution and level of 18 elements along the Damietta branch were assessed, and their potential sources were estimated. Additionally, pollution indices and health risks were calculated. The results showed that most metals were within the acceptable levels of USEPA and WHO. However, Na, Mg, and Ca were higher than the permissible level of WHO, and K was higher than the permissible levels for irrigation. Furthermore, heavy metal pollution indicators, degree of contamination indices, heavy metal evaluation indices, Nemerow pollution indices, and water quality indices all pointed to very high standards for water quality. Also, the noncarcinogenic health risk index indicated a safe limit for dermal and oral exposure for adults and children. Overall, this study recommends management focus on anthropogenic activities in the Damietta branch of the Nile River.

Distribution characteristics, sources and risk assessment of heavy metals in the surface sediments from the largest tributary of the Lancang River in the Tibet Plateau, China.

Angqu, positioned in the eastern expanse of the Tibet Plateau, claims the title of the largest tributary to the Lancang River. In October and December of 2018, in the sediment of Angqu, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on nine heavy metals-arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni). This investigation aimed to scrutinize the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of these metals, assess the pollution status and ecological risks associated with the sediments, and delve into the sources contributing to their presence. The research results indicate that the average concentrations of As, Hg, and Cd in Angqu sediments exceed the soil background values of Tibet, while the concentrations of other heavy metals are below the soil background values of Tibet. Notably, arsenic poses potential ecological risks. In Angqu sediments, the concentrations of Mn, Cu, Ni, and Pb are generally higher in the wet season, but the seasonal variations of heavy metals in Angqu sediments are not significant. The sediments in the Angqu Basin are predominantly affected by mercury Hg, Cd, and As, with varying degrees of pollution at different sampling points. In the main stream of Angqu (City section), Hg pollution has reached above a moderate level, whereas As pollution near the tributary is only slightly polluted. The analysis of heavy metal sources reveals that there are five primary contributors to heavy metals in surface sediments of Angqu: parent material, agricultural activities, groundwater, atmospheric deposition, and other unidentified sources. Mn, Cr, Pb, and Ni are mainly derived from soil parent material, accounting for more than 50%. About 60.82% of As comes primarily from groundwater. Zn and Cd are mainly sourced from agricultural activities, accounting for 41.25% and 34.33%, respectively. Additionally, 20.6% of Hg originates from atmospheric deposition.

Spatial Heterogeneity in Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals During North-East Monsoon and South-West Monsoon over India

Spatial Heterogeneity in Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals During North-East Monsoon and South-West Monsoon over India

Sources Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Street Dust from Urban Core of Zhengzhou, China

Fifty-one street dust samples were systematically collected from the urban core of Zhengzhou, China, and analyzed for potentially toxic metals. The concentrations of vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) in the samples surpassed the background values of the local soil, indicating a notable potential for contamination. Spatially, the traffic area was the most polluted with a total heavy metal concentration of Cu, Zn, As, Pb, and Ni, while the pollution levels were lower in the culture and education area and commercial area with total concentrations of V and Mn. Seasonal variations were discerned in the concentrations of heavy metals, with V, Cu, Zn, and As exhibiting heightened levels during the fall and winter, while Mn, Ni, and Pb reached peaks in the spring season. Zn exhibited the highest mean geo-accumulation index (Igeo) value at 2.247, followed by Cu at 2.019, Pb at 0.961, As at 0.590, Ni at 0.126, Mn at −0.178, and V at −0.359. The potential ecological risk index (RI) in the traffic-intensive area markedly exceeded other functional areas. Health risk assessments showed that children were more vulnerable to heavy metal exposure than adults, particularly through the ingestion pathway. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA) were applied in conjunction with the spatial–temporal concentration patterns across various functional areas to ascertain the plausible sources of heavy metal pollutants. The results indicated that heavy metals in the urban street dust of Zhengzhou were multifaceted, stemming from natural processes and diverse anthropogenic activities such as coal burning, industrial emissions, traffic, and construction operations.

Risk assessment of heavy metals in wild mushroom from Mizoram, India

Heavy metals (HMs) contaminate the environment and pose serious health risks to humans by accumulating in ecosystems, leading to toxicity and various diseases. In Mizoram, HMs pollution is a growing concern, with increasing research on contamination in various environmental sources. Present study aim to evaluate the HMs content in wild mushrooms collected from two different districts in Mizoram, India. Trichaptum biforme and Polyporus philippinensis were collected from Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR), Mamit and Cantharellus tropicalis and Coprinellus disseminatus were collected from Lalsavunga Park (LP), Aizawl. The collected samples were identified based on standard mycotaxonomical methods and molecular analysis. Four species were evaluated for their cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) content and two species were assessed for their health risk associated with consumption of HMs. The ranges of element contents for cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were found to be 0.19 - 0.92, 4.77 - 24, 0.24 - 1.61, 0.23 - 1.84, 9.5 - 30.9 µg/ g dried weight, respectively. The amount of Cd content was found to be over the safety limits values and can cause adverse health effects when consumed regularly. Wild edible mushrooms are valuable nutraceutical foods, but careful collection is essential to avoid health risks from HM contamination.

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils Based on Multi-Receptor Modeling Combined with Monte Carlo Simulation

The spatial characteristics, pollution sources, and risks of soil heavy metals were analyzed on Hainan Island. The results showed that the heavily polluted points accounted for 0.56%, and the number of mildly and above polluted points accounted for 15.27%, respectively, which were mainly distributed in the northern part of the study area. The principal component analysis–absolute principal component score–multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) and the positive matrix factorization (PMF) revealed four sources of heavy metals: agricultural pollution sources for cadmium, (Cd), industrial and mining pollution sources for arsenic, (As), transportation pollution sources for zinc and lead (Zn and Pb), and natural pollution sources for chromium, nickel, and copper (Cr, Ni, and Cu). The human health risk assessment indicated that the average non-carcinogenic risk (HI) for both adults and children was within the safe threshold (&lt;1), whereas Cr and Ni posed a carcinogenic risk (CR) to human health. In addition, the total non-carcinogenic risk (THI) indicated that heavy metals posed a potential non-carcinogenic risk to children, while the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) remained relatively high, mainly in the northern part of the study area. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation showed that the non-carcinogenic risk (HI) for all heavy metals was &lt;1, but the total non-carcinogenic risk index (THI) for children was &gt;1, indicating a potential health risk above the safe threshold. Meanwhile, nearly 100% and 99.94% of the TCR values exceeded 1 × 10−4 for children and adults, indicating that Cr and Ni are priority heavy metals for control. The research results provide the necessary scientific basis for the prevention and control of heavy metals in agricultural soils.

Soil pollution identification and human health risk assessment of soil heavy metals in an abandoned mine area in the Republic of Korea

ABSTRACT In this study, the Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Human Health Risk Assessment (HRA), and Ecological Risk Index (ERI) were utilized to examine the risks associated with the soils at the DaeyangYeongseong mine. Brassica juncea and Raphanus sativus were employed in the ecological toxicity test. In all soil samples, the mean Igeo value of arsenic measured 3.15, and cadmium measured 6.63, indicating a very high level of heavy metal contamination. The carcinogenic risk of cadmium and arsenic for adults was 4.30×10−3 and 1.43×10−5, respectively. For children, these values were 3.92 × 10−2 and 1.33 ×10−4, exceeding the acceptable level (1×10−6). In all soils, cadmium showed extremely high ecological risk levels, and arsenic had extremely high risk levels in 34.8% of the total area. This was also confirmed in toxicity assessments using plants. Therefore, arsenic and cadmium were found to be the main causes of soil contamination and ecological risk.

Effect of modified Ca-Al adsorbents on heavy metal fixation during co-combustion of coal and coconut shells: Experiments and simulations

As an alternative fuel, bio-waste coconut shells have shown promise in reducing pollution during the co-combustion process. In this study, a novel metal-mineral adsorbent, Ca-Al (Ca5Al6O14), was prepared and physically (ultrasonic) and chemically (ethylene glycol) modified to enhance its adsorption properties. Thermal adsorption experiments investigated the effect of the adsorbents on the fixation of six heavy metals (HMs): Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. XRD, SEM, BET, and XPS were used to analyze the adsorbents and the adsorption mechanism was investigated by combining lattice oxygen concentration and Factsage simulation calculations. The ecological risk assessment of heavy metals was used to comprehensively evaluate the fixation effects of the three Ca-Al adsorbents at different additive levels. The results showed that the modification significantly changed the morphological characteristics and oxygen activity of the Ca-Al adsorbents, increased the lattice oxygen and chemisorbed oxygen concentration, and laid the foundation for promoting the chemisorption process in the fixation of heavy metals. In combination with the Er (environmental risk factors), adding all three adsorbents reduced Ri (Risk index). Among them, Ca-Al (EG) at 3% had the best effect on Ri. 3% Ca–Al (EG) reduced the Er value of Ni by 49.02%. 5% Ca–Al (EG) reduced the Er value of Cr by 86.01%. 5% Ca–Al (UM) had the best effect on Mn, with a reduction of 46.13%. The addition of 10% Ca–Al (UM) reduced Er of Ni by 50.43%. Considering the practical application in coal-fired power plants, Ca-Al(EG), which exhibits a higher fixation rate at small additions, is more suitable.

Distribution, source apportionment and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in Limbe River sediments, Atlantic Coast, Cameroon Volcanic Line

The objective of this research was to assess sediments contamination, provenance and metal pollution using single and complex pollution indicators. Limbe River sediment samples were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma—Mass Spectrometry. The Limbe River sediments exhibit high content in Fe2O3 sourced from haematization of basaltic rocks. The concentration of Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Sr, V and Zn exceed upper continental crust and local baseline values for heavy metals. Correlation matrix analysis indicates the presence of common input sources and similar geochemical characteristics of heavy metals. Contamination factor (CF: 0.01–10.34), contamination degree (Cdeg: 14.91–36.57), pollution load index (PLI: 0.84–1.77), and nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI: 0.2–1.7) indicates significant to high levels of contamination. The enrichment factor (EF: 0–5.67) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo: -7.55–2.59), suggests moderate to significant metal pollution of the Limbe River ecosystem, suggesting potential ecological effects. Modified hazard quotient (mHQ: 0.082–6.35) and toxic risk index (TRI: 10.49–27.43), indicates low to extreme pollution severity and high toxicity risks of heavy metals to the aquatic ecosystem fauna and flora. Primarily anthropogenic activities and secondary lithogenic provenance is attributed to sediments contamination and metals pollution. This study suggests that a greater emphasis should be placed on monitoring various provenances of metals entering the aquatic ecosystem from anthropogenic practices. The study emphasizes the significance of continual protection of aquatic ecosystem and biological resources and adaptive management. The development of reasonable goals for monitoring and remedial programmes can be aided by this data.

Ecological and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Groundwater within an Agricultural Ecosystem Using GIS and Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MSA): A Case Study of the Mnasra Region, Gharb Plain, Morocco

Assessing groundwater quality is essential for ensuring the sustainability of agriculture and ecosystems. This study evaluates groundwater contamination by heavy metals (HMs) using GIS approaches, multivariate statistical analysis (MSA), pollution indices (heavy metal pollution index (HPI), metal index (MI), degree of contamination (Cd), ecological risk index (ERI), and pollution index (PI)), and human health risk assessment (HHRA). The results revealed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations across the study area, with the highest concentrations found in the southern and southeastern parts, characterized by intense agricultural activities and uncontrolled landfills. Statistical analyses indicated both natural and anthropogenic sources of contamination. Pollution indices showed medium to high water pollution levels, with HPI values ranging from 20.23 to 128.60, MI values from 3.34 to 12.17, and Cd values from 2.90 to 11.73, indicating varying degrees of contamination. ERI values suggested a low ecological risk across all samples. However, health risk assessments highlighted significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, particularly for children, with TCR values for some heavy metals like Ni and Cr exceeding safe limits, indicating potential health hazards. The findings provide a valuable framework for policymakers to develop targeted strategies for mitigating groundwater contamination and ensuring sustainable water quality management.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in nuts and seeds in Gansu Province, China

The popularity of nuts is growing, due to their nutritional properties and beneficial effects on human health. So they may be a source of exposure to heavy metals. To evaluate the health risks of consuming nuts to residents in Gansu Province, this study used ICP-MS to determine the Cd, Pb and Hg content in 151 nuts samples and conducted risk assessment by deterministic and probabilistic methods. The results showed that the median contents of Cd, Pb and Hg in nuts were 7.40E-3, 5.80E-2 and 9.00E-4 mg·kg−1, while in seeds were 3.89E-2, 4.47E-2 and 1.10E-3 mg·kg−1. Cd exceeded the Chinese maximum residue limits in 9.93 % (15/151) of the samples. At the P95 exposure level, the deterministic assessment showed that hazard quotients (HQs) of Hg, Cd, and Pb were below 1, hazard index (HI) was also below 1, cancer risk (CR) of Cd in nuts was below 10−4, but CR of Cd in seeds was above 10−4. In probability assessment, the HQs of Cd, Pb and Hg were less than 1, but the CR of Cd is greater than 10−4. In summary, Hg and Pb in nuts and seeds did not pose a health risk, but Cd may pose a carcinogenic risk to consumers.

Risk assessment of heavy metals due to the consumption of sea products in the Chilean population

Risk assessment of heavy metals due to the consumption of sea products in the Chilean population

Improper toy waste handling can harm human health via seafood consumption: A comprehensive health risk assessment of heavy metals

Toy production has been increasing over the last few decades to meet the growing demands for toys across the globe, which has inevitably worsened the problem of toy waste. Given the lack of modern waste disposal facilities, rural villagers in many developing countries often discard and incinerate toy waste in backyards or riverbanks, which may release the pollutants from toys (e.g., heavy metals), contaminate the surrounding areas, and eventually threaten the health of residents. As such, this study examined the impact of improper toy waste handling on the nearby aquaculture site by measuring the contamination level of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in the sediment and seafood (crabs, shrimps, and fish). The health risk of heavy metals via seafood consumption was assessed in different groups of people (males, females, teenagers, and seniors). Results showed that the sediment and seafood at the aquaculture site were generally not contaminated with heavy metals (contamination factor and bioaccumulation factor <1). However, consuming the seafood cultured at this site, especially for crabs, could pose a health risk to humans due to As and Cd (hazard quotient > 1), irrespective of their age and gender. This risk could not be lowered by cooking, except As by boiling. Overall, we revealed that improper toy waste handling did not cause severe heavy metal pollution in the surrounding environment, but the consumption of contaminated seafood could still threaten human health. To safeguard public health, we propose that toy waste should be appropriately treated by the authorities concerned. In addition, consuming seafood with long culture periods (e.g., crabs) should be reduced to minimize the dietary intake of heavy metals and their associated health risk.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals and physicochemical parameters in natural mineral bottled drinking water using ICP-MS in South Africa

The contamination of natural mineral bottled drinking water with trace, heavy metals and rare-earth elements is a growing concern globally, especially in regions with limited access to safe drinking water sources. In South Africa, the safety of bottled water remains a critical issue due to potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. This study aimed to evaluate physicochemical parameters alongside to assess the health risks due to heavy metals in natural mineral bottled drinking water available in South Africa, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 21 bottled water samples from different brands were collected and analysed for heavy metal concentrations including Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Ba and Hg, as well as physicochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids among others. The results revealed physicochemical parameters were within acceptable ranges, indicating overall water quality. Varying levels of heavy metals across different brands observed with concentrations of Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, K and Mn in some samples exceeding permissible limits set by WHO and SAWQG for drinking water quality. The mean concentration of the heavy metals is in the decreasing toxicity order of Sr > Al > Ba > Mn > Cu > Cr > Zn > Fe > As > Co > U > Ni > Cs > Pb > Cd > Hg. The mean values of the chronic daily intake (CDI) for the concentration of heavy metals for adults are in the order of Cr > Fe > Sr > Ba > Mn > Cu > Zn > Li > V > As > Ni > Be > Pb > Hg > Cd and were below acceptable limits. The estimated values of both HQ and HI (with mean of 2.07E−03 and range of 0.00 to 1.76E−02) for the heavy metals are all found to be less than 1. The total mean value of ILCR is 4.67E−06, and range of 0.00 to 2.76E−05, which is insignificant and within the permissible level of the cancer risk guidance limit of 1.00E−06 to 1.00E−04. The results show that consumption of natural mineral bottled drinking water of South Africa is safe and may not cause any significant health risk to the populace. However, the long-time potential effects due to the few exceeded metals levels needed to be considered. Our findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on water quality assurance, offering insights into the overall integrity of the natural mineral bottled water supply chain in South Africa. This research not only serves as a foundation for regulatory measures but also underscores the significance of maintaining high-quality standards in the bottled water industry for public health and environmental sustainability.

Comprehensive Perspective on Contamination Identification, Source Apportionment, and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Paddy Soils of a Tropical Island

Comprehensive Perspective on Contamination Identification, Source Apportionment, and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Paddy Soils of a Tropical Island

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments and their impact on macrobenthos in Asan Bay, South Korea

Bay ecosystems with unique economic and ecological value are more vulnerable to heavy metal pollution than other marine ecosystems. In South Korea, rapid economic development has exacerbated heavy metal pollution in bay environments. This study analyzed concentrations of seven heavy metals and the structure of macrobenthic community in Asan Bay. Five heavy metal indices (PLI, Pn, RI, TRI, and MERMQ) were used to assess ecological risk. Additionally, spearman correlation, biota–environment matching (BIO-ENV), and redundancy analysis (RDA) were utilized to determine the influence of heavy metals on macrobenthic communities. Although average concentrations of seven heavy metals were below sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), the average concentration of Cd was close to the threshold effects level (TEL). The nemerow pollution index (Pn) and the potential ecological risk index (RI) indicated that Cd was the primary heavy metal contributing to ecological risk. Spearman correlation, BIO-ENV, and RDA indicated that heavy metals were the main environmental factors influencing macrobenthic communities in Asan Bay. However, five heavy metal indices (PLI, Pn, RI, TRI, and MERMQ) did not show a response to the macrobenthic communities. Overall, low concentrations of heavy metals have a certain negative impact on macrobenthic communities in Asan Bay. This study can serve as an important reference for marine environmental protection and policy-making in Asan Bay.

Distribution Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Roadside Soil of Important National Highways on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

To clarify the impact of transportation on the sensitive and fragile ecosystems of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau and major ecological safety barrier functions, soil samples within 0-25 m on the roadside were collected from sections of national highways such as G214, G213, G345, G109, G316, and G317, and the contents of six heavy metals were analyzed. Then, the degree of heavy metal pollution and the risk of ecological hazards were evaluated using the single-factor pollution index method （Pi）, Nemero comprehensive index method （PN）, and potential ecological risk index method （RI）. The results showed that the heavy metal contents of As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the soil of important transportation national roads on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau ranged from 5.65 to 176.00, 0.04 to 0.27, 0.01 to 0.14, 9.52 to 113.00, 9.16 to 54.50, and 24.70 to 109.00 mg·kg-1, respectively, showing high variability. In some sections of the soil, the values of the elements As, Cd, and Hg were higher than the local soil background values. The single-factor pollution index of heavy metals in roadside soil was Pi （As） &gt; Pi （Hg） &gt; Pi（Cd） &gt; Pi （Pb） &gt; Pi （Ni） &gt; Pi （Zn）. The Nemero comprehensive pollution index ranged from 0.41 to 9.20, with an average value of 1.53, indicating clean and mild pollution. Some areas showed a moderate or severe pollution. The average potential ecological risk index of the research section was 106.2, and the soil was generally in a state of no pollution and light pollution. Only two road sections had soil heavy metal enrichment reaching moderate and strong ecological hazards. The comprehensive potential risk of the G213a road section indicated moderate to severe ecological risk, mainly contributed by Hg, As, and Cd. The comprehensive pollution risk of the G317 road section indicated mild to moderate ecological risk, mainly contributed by Hg and Cd. The heavy metal content in the soil of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau road area was not significantly correlated with the roadside distance and soil depth but was significantly positively correlated with the annual average temperature （P &lt; 0.05）. In all, there was a trend of heavy metal input into the soil environment in areas with intense human activities and high traffic flow during road construction on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau.