Carcinogenic risk due to heavy metals in soil samples of Northern Areas of Anbar Governorate, Iraq

Background In the past few years, there has been a growing concern about heavy metals in soil due to their potential threat to human health and environmental effects in many areas across the globe including Northern Areas of Anbar Governorate, Iraq. Purpose and methodology Therefore, in the present study, heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cd, and Cr) were measured using atomic spectroscopy in soil samples collected from some northern areas (Akashat, Al-Qaim, and Phosphate) of Al-Anbar governorate. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks due to heavy metals in soil were calculated for ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact pathways. Observations The average values of Pb concentration (mg/kg) in Akashat, Al-Qaim, and Phosphate were 12.81 ±0.83, 13.10 ±1.31, and 15.28 ±3.14, respectively. While Cr concentrations were 131.52 ±9.99, 16.07 ±1.93, and 90.17 ±17.88, respectively, Cd concentrations were 27.70 ±0.93, 0.61 ±0.14, and 32.06 ±12.81, respectively. While the results of the risk index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR×10 −4 ) due to Pb, Cr, and Cd concentrations in Akashat area were 0.341 ±0.021 and 2.04 ±0.11, respectively, in Al-Qaim area were 0.059 ±0.004 and 0.148 ±0.014, respectively, and in the Phosphate area were 0.272 ±0.054 and 1.88 ±0.583, respectively. Conclusion The overall heavy metal concentrations for the Akashat and Phosphate area of study followed the order Cr > Cd > Pb, while Al-Qaim followed the order Cr > Pb > Cd. The study's concentrations of Pb and Cr were consistent in most soil samples and are consistent with the globally approved boundaries defined by WHO and EPA. In contrast, Cd concentrations were high in most samples. Also, the risk index values in all samples were lower than the safe limit, while the results of total cancer risk in most samples were high. In conclusion, most of the samples studied, particularly those from the Akashat and Phosphate areas, indicate a carcinogenic risk due to heavy metals.