
科学技术与工程

中国技术经济学会
Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Contents in Calcium-containing Biological Minerals
Hui-shi CHEN , Xiong-kai ZHENG , Jia-yu WANG , Ai-ping JIA , Meng-yao ZOU , Xue-qin TAO , Jian-jun DU
Science Technology and Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (19) : 8297 -8306.
To investigate the contents and pollution of heavy metals in calcium-containing biological minerals, 16 samples were collected from three primary categories: eggshells, shells, and animal bones. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry(ICP-OES) was utilized to analyze the contents of seven metalloids and heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Mn). The pollution degree and risk of heavy metals were evaluated using single-factor, Nemerow comprehensive pollution index method, Hakanson potential ecological risk index method, and health risk comprehensive assessment. The results show that As and Cd are not detected in all calcium-containing biological minerals, meanwhile Pb is not detected in both eggshells and shells. Five heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Mn) are detected in the remaining samples, with their contents remaining below standard. Differences in heavy metal contents are observed among different categories and species. Cu, Mn, and Zn have the highest contents of 14.85, 21.47, and 201.99 mg/kg, respectively accumulated in eggshells, shells, and animal bones. The risk assessment results show that the single-factor pollution index of four heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn) in calcium-containing biological minerals is less than 1.0 and the comprehensive pollution index is less than 0.7. All samples are indicated as unpolluted. The potential ecological risk among three types of calcium-containing biological minerals is in descending order: animal bones > eggshells > shells. The non-carcinogenic total risk index of two exposure pathways for minors and adults is less than the safety threshold of 1.0. This finding indicates that five heavy metals in calcium-containing biological minerals are unlikely to threaten human health. Overall, calcium-containing biological minerals can be used as potential sources of fertilizers and soil conditioners in agricultural production. However, their usage should be controlled to prevent heavy metal accumulation and pollution.
calcium-containing biological minerals / heavy metals / pollution assessment / health risk
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