Human health and ecological risk assessment of trace elements in urban soils of 101 cities in China: A meta-analysis

Urban soils pollution by trace elements arouses the growing interest in China. The aim of this study was to assess urban soil pollution by As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn in China and the possible impacts on urban inhabitants and urban green spaces (UGS). Data from more than 17,000 samples were applied to characterize the status of 101 cities. The pollution assessment proved that 11% of the cities are heavily polluted. According to the Hazard Index, the value of risk for the infant population in 15 cities exceed the standardly accepted tolerable levels. The carcinogenic risk assessment demonstrated the potential threat in the cities with the total population approximately 20,566,900. Cr and As were detected to be the most hazardous elements. UGS may be seriously threatened by trace elements toxicity in 38 cities. Cd was found to be the riskiest element for UGS. Ecosystem services of UGS can be significantly disrupted under the current situation in China and their status is expected to deteriorate in the future. For this reason, it is essential to alter the policy of the urbanization process and develop functional concepts of urban green infrastructures adapted to the high level of contamination which shall improve human well-being in China. [Display omitted] •Data from more than 17,000 samples representing 101 cities in China were processed.•Eleven cities are heavily polluted and most common contaminants are Cd and Hg.•The main factor affecting pollution is industry, not urban population size.•There are approximately 38,897,500 inhabitants living in heavily polluted cities.•Ecosystem services of urban green spaces can be significantly disrupted in 38 cities.