Bioaccessibility of trace elements as affected by soil parameters in smelter-contaminated agricultural soils: A statistical modeling approach

An investigation was undertaken to identify the most significant soil parameters that can be used to predict Cd, Pb, and Zn bioaccessibility in smelter-contaminated agricultural soils. A robust model was established from an extended database of soils by using: (i) a training set of 280 samples to select the main soil parameters, to define the best population to be taken into account for the model elaboration, and to construct multivariate regression models, and (ii) a test set of 110 samples to validate the ability of the regression models. Total carbonate, organic matter, sand, P2O5, free Fe–Mn oxide, and pseudototal Al and trace element (TE) contents appeared as the main variables governing TE bioaccessibility. The statistical modeling approach was reasonably successful, indicating that the main soil factors influencing the bioaccessibility of TEs were taken into account and the predictions could be applicable for further risk evaluation in the studied area.

► We model the effects of varying soil parameters on TE bioaccessibility.
► Model calibration and validation were conducted on a test set of 390 soil samples.
► The use of an extended database is needed to elaborate a robust model.
► The bioaccessibility predictions could be applicable for further risk evaluation.