Environmental, Ecological and Health Risks of Boron in Agricultural Soils of Amik Plain Under Mediterranean Conditions

Abstract

An abundance of boron (B) content in soils can threaten both plant and human health. The range that identifies B insufficiency or toxicity in the soil is quite small, making it a difficult issue to overcome. Therefore, intensive activities (irrigation, fertilization, pesticides, etc.) caused by humans in agricultural lands can rapidly increase B concentration. On the other hand, there have been few studies to analyze the ecological and human health implications posed by B concentrations in agricultural soil. In the present study, environmental, ecological, and human health risks caused by B in the intensively cultivated Amik Plain (Turkiye) were evaluated. A total of 137 soil samples were collected and analyzed from the study area which has been used under intensive agriculture practice. The average concentration of B in the soils (29.40 mg kg(-1)) exceeded the contents of B in the upper continental crust (17 mg kg(-1)). It was determined that the mean enrichment factor (2.56), geoaccumulation index (0.17), and contamination factor values (1.73) of B show that the study area was moderately enriched and contaminated. B had a mean potential ecological risk factor value below 40, indicating a low potential ecological risk. Spatial distribution maps showed that boron enrichment was more in the western part of the plain. Children were more vulnerable to noncarcinogenic health effects of B in soils than adults. In addition, for both children and adults, the hazard index values did not surpass one, showing that B in the soil through dermal contact, inhalation pathways, and ingestion had no dangers noncarcinogenic risks.