## 1 Introduction  
The responsible and judicious management of soil resources is of paramount importance in maintaining the sustainability of our environment. This includes the utilization of appropriate practices for the preservation and protection of soil health and fertility, while also taking into account the unique characteristics of each specific soil type [1]. The soil is a critical natural resource that plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. It serves as an interface between different geospheres and interacts with them to exchange matter and energy. Numerous studies have demonstrated the ecological significance of soil, with edaphic conditions directly influencing the chemical composition and plant growth [2; 3; 4]. Soils in proximity to industrial areas, heavily trafficked roads, mines, and waste storage centers are exposed to high levels of elements and toxic chemical compounds. These contaminants can disrupt natural biological processes and may be absorbed by plants, subsequently entering the food chain [5; 6; 7; 8]. Furthermore, the fertilizers and pest control products can harm the soil by elements they contain, posing additional risks to the ecosystem. The issue of environmental pollution in Galati and Braila counties, Lower Danube Basin, SE Romania, is a significant concern, particularly due to the long period of industrial activities of the Galati Steel Enterprise. The steel plant began production 65 years ago, which led to the neighboring lands' contamination with toxic elements, mostly heavy metals (HMs) [9]. Although plant re-engineering has helped in reducing emissions, the irrational use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides still causes significant imbalances in the adjacent agroecosystems. To increase crop production and plants' resistance to pests and diseases, farmers use large amounts of fertilizers (chemical, organic, and sewage sludges) and pesticides, which pose significant risks to the ecosystem due to harmful elements entering the soil. These elements, including HMs (Ni, Cr, Zn, Cd, Cu, As) and toxic chemicals (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides), can leach into the soil through runoff or direct absorption [10]. Negative effects may occur on soil quality, harming the biota (microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans) and even contaminating groundwater. The long-term consequences of soil contamination are far-reaching, potentially affecting agricultural productivity and human health. For instance, crops grown in contaminated soil can absorb harmful elements, which may have detrimental effects when consumed. Furthermore, exposure to dispersed soil particles through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact can increase the risk of developing various diseases. If contaminants are present in the environment, they can contribute to both acute and chronic health issues, including conditions such as renal impairment, osteoporosis [11], mitochondrial dysfunction and associated diseases [12], lung carcinoma [13], and cardiovascular disorder [14]. Currently, there are limited data on soil contamination with HMs caused by steelmaking or other human activities in the Galati-Braila region [9]. Regarding the contamination of cultivated plants, vegetables, fruits, and fodder plants with toxic elements discharged from industrial activities, as well as the mismanagement of fertilizers, amendments, and pesticides, there are a lack of specific data for the area under investigation. The main objective of this study was to examine the extent of soil and crop (wheat, corn, sunflower) contamination with both major and trace elements in the industrial area of Galati metallurgical enterprise. These elements are crucial for supporting life on Earth, but their presence at elevated levels can pose considerable health risks. The study also aimed to determine the elemental bioaccumulation in crop tissues and to assess the contamination level and risk of toxic elements in soils using pollution indices and the human health hazards associated with ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation of the toxicants.