Abstract
This study investigated pollution levels, accumulation patterns, and potential toxicity of 52 major and trace elements in the Ambagarh Chowki District’s environment (India). This comprehensive multielement analysis across diverse environmental matrices provides new insights into contamination patterns and health implications in this understudied region. Forty-seven composite samples (soil, n = 13; road dust, n = 20; sediment, n = 6; animal feces ash, n = 8) were collected and subjected to acid digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis, with pollution indices and health risk assessments calculated to evaluate environmental and human health implications. Total element concentrations ranged from 15,671 to 260,192 mg kg−1, with mean values of 130,441 ± 12,859, 173,673 ± 162,627, 145,074 ± 39,471, and 171,445 ± 70,854 mg kg−1 in soil (n = 13), road dust (n = 20), sediment (n = 6), and feces ash (n = 8), respectively. Results identified pond sediment and animal feces as significant sinks for toxic elements (As, Be, Cd, Li, U), reflecting the interplay of weathering, soil processes, and anthropogenic activities. High contamination factor (0.08–74.8) and enrichment factor (0.17–73.5) values, particularly for As, Sb, Te, and Pb, indicated significant contamination and human influence. The pollution load index and geoaccumulation index further confirmed moderate to severe contamination levels for these elements. Health risk assessment revealed significant concerns, particularly from elevated As and Cr concentrations, with children being especially vulnerable. The high arsenic levels detected pose both noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks, primarily through dietary exposure pathways. These findings underscore the urgent need for implementing remediation strategies, monitoring programs, and public health interventions to mitigate exposure risks in the affected communities.