Interspecific Differences in Barium Accumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Crops in a Barite Mining Area

Abstract

Understanding barium (Ba) accumulation in crops from barite mining areas is crucial for assessing dietary health risks. This study investigated Ba concentrations, bioaccumulation factors (BCF), and translocation characteristics in various crops from a barite mining region in Guizhou, China. Results showed significant interspecific differences. Pakchoi (Brassicaceae) exhibited the highest Ba concentration (947.92-952.37 mg·kg^-1) and BCF (0.028), while grains of Poaceae (rice and maize) had the lowest (1.50-7.14 mg·kg^-1). Ba distribution in Poaceae followed root>leaf>stem>grain, with very limited translocation to grains (TF stem→grain: 0.0135–0.0559), whereas pakchoi showed efficient translocation to leaves (TF: 0.4732). Health risk assessment revealed that pakchoi’s estimated daily intake (EDI) was 17.5-18.4 times the USEPA reference dose (0.2 mg·kg^-1·day^-1), with hazard index (HI)>1, indicating a potential health risk. Solanaceae fruits and Poaceae grains had HI<1, posing negligible risk. Therefore, in high‑Ba areas, priority should be given to planting Solanaceae or Poaceae crops rather than leafy vegetables.