Assessment of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks due to heavy metal contamination in MSW landfill soil, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

The present study assessed the seasonal variability, contamination status, and ecological and human-health risks of heavy metals in soils collected from the Jambuva municipal landfill in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Across all seasons, the average concentrations of Fe (1404 mg/kg), Mn (46.4 mg/kg), Zn (28.6 mg/kg), Cr (8.35 mg/kg), Cu (8.18 mg/kg), Ni (2.59 mg/kg), Co (2.05 mg/kg), Pb (1.52 mg/kg), and Cd (0.65 mg/kg) reflected clear anthropogenic enrichment, with some metals exceeding typical background levels. Metal concentrations decreased during the monsoon due to dilution, runoff, and leaching, but increased again post-monsoon as contaminants re-accumulated in surface soils. Pollution indices (Igeo, Cf, Ef) highlighted strong anthropogenic influence, particularly for Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb. Among all metals, Cd showed the highest enrichment and contamination levels, while ecological-risk assessment identified Cd and Cr as the primary contributors to overall ecological hazard. Health-risk analysis revealed that Cr posed the greatest non-carcinogenic risk, mainly through dermal exposure, and carcinogenic risks for Cr and Ni exceeded USEPA acceptable limits for both adults and children. Two-way ANOVA confirmed significant seasonal effects (p < .05) on all metals and organic matter, while PCA suggested common anthropogenic sources. These findings underscore the need for improved waste management and continuous environmental monitoring.