Topsoil heavy metals status and potential risk assessment around the cement factories in Chhatak, Bangladesh

Infrastructural development for rapid urbanization has boosted up the demand for cement. Every stage of cement production generates dust which can elevated particulate matter concentrations in the air. Particulate matters are deposited in soil by various processes and deteriorated soil quality. Chronic exposure to cement dust can lead to adverse health effects to the host communities. This study evaluates the environmental and health impacts of cement production in the Chhatak, Bangladesh. The measurements take 14 locations in both downwind and upwind directions—a total of 14 topsoil samples from the close vicinity and one sample collected far from the two cement factories. Soil samples analysis includes soil pH, organic matter, and heavy metal contents like Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Cd. Soil pH is slightly acidic to hardly alkaline, and organic matter contents are relatively low. Heavy metal concentration depicts that the soils are enriched with Ni, whereas other heavy metals, especially Zn, Cu, and Mn, are very low. Ni absorption exceeded the standard limits at most of sample points and was close to the factories at an alarming rate. The Igeo values show that the area is moderate to strongly polluted with Ni and other heavy metals are unpolluted to moderately polluted. The downward order of the contamination factor (Cf) is Ni > Pb > Cd > Cu > Zn > Mn. Assessment of potential ecological risk reflects that the area is of low to moderate risk. The degree of contamination and spatial mapping shows high contamination of heavy metals found within 0 to 500 m nearby the cement factories. The carcinogenic risk of Ni for adults and children exceeded the acceptable limit (1 × 10–6–1 × 10–4) at some points close to the factories. Finally the factor analysis reflects the origin of hazardous trace elements near the cement factories has both anthropogenic and lithogenic sources. This study recommends remedial measures, including compulsory use of protective masks, adaptive measures to treat heavy metal contaminated soils, relocation of residential areas. Health campaigns should implement to minimize the potential risk of cement production on the environment and human health.