Exploring human health risk assessment based on the screening of primary targeted metal and chemical balance simulation of ionic speciation in an industrial area, China

A comprehensive human health risk assessment methodology based on major hazard element screening and morphological evolution simulation is proposed. The primary targeted metal (PTM) screened by classical health risk assessment was introduced into chemical balance simulation to obtain speciation distribution and corresponding risk. According to the results of risk assessment of morphological evolution of primary targeted metal (PTM), a potential methodology for the remediation is proposed, which could reduce the risk level efficiently and quickly by changing the pH of soil environment with additional acid and alkali substances. A case study was performed in a dye factory in Suzhou city, Jiangsu Province, China. The results of classical health risk assessment showed that the regional health risk index for children exceeded tolerance value of 1, in which Cr accounted for high risk level of 61%. Chemical balance simulation results showed that CrO42− and CaCrO4 had the highest risk index, and the change of pH value would affect the proportion of CrO42− and CaCrO4 in Cr6+ ionic speciation, which may indirectly change the risk level. It is recommended to adjust the pH of the soil environment to quickly reduce regional human health risk. This study will provide a theoretical basis for public health protection and site restoration management. •Screened out the primary targeted metal (PTM) by classical risk assessment.•Cr accounted for high risk level of 61%.•Simulated morphological evolution of PTM.•Evaluated modified human health risk of Cr6+ ionic speciation.•pH is an important factor affecting the proportion of ionic speciation. Summary of main finding of the work:Screening out primary targeted metal (PTM) by classical health risk assessment and modified the health risk assessment based on the simulation of morphological evolution of PTM ion.