Chongming Island Asparagus: Soil Salinization, Heavy Metal Pollution, and Health Risks

Chongming Island, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, is one of the vegetable production bases in Shanghai due to its fertile soil. Asparagus, a nutritious and crispy vegetable, has become a characteristic crop on the island. However, industrialization and urbanization have caused agricultural issues, such as soil salinization and heavy metal pollution, which pose health risks. This study focused on the soil and asparagus in Chongming Island, conducting sampling research and assessing soil salinity and heavy metal pollution. The results showed that the soil had low contents of K+ and Mg2+ and high contents of Ca2+ and SO2- 4. Sulfate-chloride, chloride-sulfate, and sulfate were the types of soil salinization present in the area, with mildly saline soils in some parts. The content of Cr in asparagus exceeded the national food safety standard limit, with the highest carcinogenic risk for both adults and children. The study suggests that the soils in the asparagus growing area of Chongming are slightly saline, and there is a health risk associated with heavy metal pollution in the area. The results showed that the soils in the asparagus growing area of Chongming are slightly saline, with a potential health risk associated with heavy metal pollution. The study suggests that further investigation and mitigation strategies are needed to ensure the safety of asparagus production and consumption in this region. The study's findings also emphasize the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to minimize soil degradation and heavy metal accumulation in agricultural ecosystems.