Selection of pollution-safe head cabbage: Interaction of multiple heavy metals in soil on bioaccumulation and transfer

Screening for pollution-safe cultivars (PSCs) is a cost-effective strategy for reducing health risks of crops in heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soils. In this study, 13 head cabbages were grown in multi-HMs contaminated soil, and their accumulation characteristics, interaction of HM types, and health risks assessment using Monte Carlo simulation were examined. Results showed that the edible part of head cabbage is susceptible to HM contamination, with 84.62% of varieties polluted. The average bio-concentration ability of HMs in head cabbage was Cd> > Hg > Cr > As>Pb. Among five HMs, Cd and As contributed more to potential health risks (accounting for 20.8%–48.5%). Significant positive correlations were observed between HM accumulation and co-occurring HMs in soil. Genotypic variations in HM accumulation suggested the potential for reducing health risks through crop screening. G7 is a recommended variety for head cabbage cultivation in areas with multiple HM contamination, while G3 could serve as a suitable alternative for heavily Hg-contaminated soils. [Display omitted] •Uptake ability of HMs in head cabbages (HC) was Cd> > Hg > Cr > As>Pb.•Accumulation of multi-HMs in soil-HCs system is positively related.•HCs are susceptible to Hg especially when Cr and Pb are co-occurring.•PSC-HC was selected based on pollution level, transfer ability, risk and yields.•HMs content in soil is not a reasonable evaluation criterion of HC pollution level.