This paper is the result of environmental geological survey engineering.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the current status of heavy metal contamination in the soil of Dashetai, Ulat Front Banner. A comprehensive sampling campaign was conducted, involving the systematic collection of 845 topsoil samples, 30 crop samples, and 17 drinking water samples. The concentrations of eight heavy metals (Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn)) were analyzed to assess the extent of contamination.

Methods The levels of soil heavy metal contamination, ecological risk, and associated health risks in the study area were assessed using the geoaccumulation index method, the potential ecological hazard index method, and a health risk assessment model.

Results The concentrations of heavy metals in the farmland soils of Dashetai are approximately equivalent to the background levels observed in the Hetao Plain. The assessment of potential ecological risks indicated that the heavy metal contamination in the soil predominantly posed slight to moderate ecological hazards. The human health risk assessment revealed that, through oral and dermal exposure, the soil's carcinogenic risk value was calculated to be 5.69 × 10⁻⁶, which exceeds the standard threshold of 10⁻⁶. However, this level of risk is considered to pose a minimal carcinogenic threat, one that is generally deemed acceptable by public health standards.

Conclusions The distribution of mercury (Hg) is significantly influenced by anthropogenic activities, with areas of medium to high risk predominantly located in Dashetai. In contrast, the distribution of other elements is primarily governed by the parent materials of the soil. Moderate−risk areas for cadmium (Cd) are concentrated along the coast of Wuliangsu Lake. Arsenic (As) was identified as the primary contributor to the health risks associated with the consumption of vegetables, grains, and drinking water.