Multi-geostatistical analyses of the spatial distribution and source apportionment of potentially toxic elements in urban children's park soils in Pakistan: A risk assessment study.

In the past few decades, contamination of urban children's parks (UCPs) with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) has been attracting more and more interest; however, assessment of eco-environmental and child exposure risks particularly in developing countries remains limited. The current study investigated PTE (Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) concentrations, potential sources, and their health risk assessment in UCP soils of 12 major cities in Pakistan. The results showed that the mean concentration of Ni exceeded the SEPA-permissible limit in all UCP sites, while other PTEs were found to be within acceptable limits.