Anthropogenic influences on toxic metals in water and sediment samples collected from industrially polluted Cuddalore coast,Southeast coast of India

The present study was carried out to investigate the impact of anthropogenic influences on Cuddalore coast, Southeast coast of India, with regard to physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentration in the surface water and sediment samples of the study area. The samples were collected in different seasons of the year (January–December 2010) and analysed for physicochemical parameters (Temperature, pH, salinity, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, phosphate and silicate) and heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) using standard methods. Results showed that physicochemical characteristics and heavy metals concentration in the samples of the study area were varied seasonally and spatially. The concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediment samples of the study area were higher in the monsoon season compared with those of other seasons. The heavy metal concentration in collected samples was found to be above WHO standards. The order of heavy metals in water and sediment samples was Pb > Cu > Cd > Zn. The heavy metal data were analysed through widely using multivariate statistical methods including principle component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). CA classified the sampling sites into three clusters based on contamination sources and season. The PCA revealed that the season has a huge impact on the levels, types and distribution of metals found in water and sediment samples. The study also shows the main basis of heavy metals pollution at Cuddalore coast is land based anthropogenic inputs as a result of discharging of waste from industries, municipal, agricultural activities and sewage into estuarine regions, which carries the wastes into coastal area during tidal action. Statistical analyses and experimental data revealed that the Cuddalore coast may cause health risk to the recreational users and fisher folk, ultimately warrants environmental quality management to control heavy metal contamination.     

北京市密云区农业土壤重金属元素地球化学特征及生态风险评价

在北京市密云区西南部农业区系统地采集了1 065件表层土壤样品,对其中Ni、V、Cr、As、Cd、Pb、Zn、Hg 8种重金属元素的含量开展了测试分析。采用多元统计分析法及空间分析法,阐明了这些重金属元素的地球平均化学分布特征,并探讨了其可能的主要来源。结果表明,8种重金属元素主要分为3类：第一类为Ni、V、Cr、As,其含量低于北京地区背景值,其分布主要受成土母质等自然因素的影响;第二类为Cd、Pb、Zn,其平均含量高于背景值,且居民区含量最高。除继承成土母质外,此类元素的分布特征受人为活动影响较大,其中Cd受人为活动影响的程度明显高于Pb和Zn;第三类为Hg,推断大气沉降为影响Hg分布的主要因素。主要采用Hakanson法评价了土壤中重金属的生态风险,结果表明该地区潜在生态危害指数较低。     

吉林中部黑土区重金属元素生态地球化学特征

基于吉林省中部黑土区地球化学调查数据,分析统计As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Ni、Zn 6种可造成重金属污染的元素在土壤--作物系统中的生态地球化学特征。通过吉林省部分地区土壤样品与玉米籽实样品采样,采用元素有效系数与元素累积系数的方法,计算出采样点的土壤重金属元素全量、有效量和玉米籽实含量特征,从而研究重金属元素生态地球化学特征。结果表明:(1)研究区土壤重金属元素全量虽然较吉林省土壤元素背景值增加明显,但土壤与玉米籽实均未达到污染状态。(2)重金属元素有效系数均值由小到大依次为As Cr Zn Cu Ni Cd,在研究区的空间分布差异性较大;玉米籽实积累系数均值由小到大依次为Cr As Ni Cd Cu Zn,在的空间分布差异性相对较小。(3)吉林省中部黑土区的玉米籽实重金属元素积累程度均较低,在未发生土壤重金属元素污染的清洁土壤中,Cu与Zn对于玉米植株来说,属于必需营养元素范畴;重金属元素中Cd的有效系数大,作物可食部分积累程度较高,应注意其预防与治理工作; As与Cr的有效系数较小,可能是导致其在玉米籽实中积累程度较低的主要影响因素之一; Ni在土壤中有效态转化程度较高,玉米籽实Ni吸收量相对较低。(4)多数重金属元素在玉米籽实中的累积程度与其在土壤中的有效系数呈正相关关系。     

Contamination and distribution of heavy metals in urban and suburban soils in Zhangzhou City,Fujian, China

The urban environment is of growing concern as its continued population increase in China. Due to the urbanization and industrialization, heavy metals have been continuously discharged into the soil recently, and creating the anthropogenic contamination. This study investigated heavy metals contamination in urban and suburban soils in Zhangzhou City, Fujian, China. Multivariate analysis and geographical information system technology were employed in source identification and contamination assessment of heavy metals in the city soils. The survey results indicated that the urban soils were contaminated by heavy metals, especially by Hg, Cd and Pb. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the distribution of Cu, Zn, Cr and Ni was controlled by pedogenesis, Cd and Pb had been disturbed by industrialization in some urban locations, and Hg was mainly influenced by the hot-spring in some urban park sites. The distribution of heavy metals and soil pollution index suggested the soils of Zhangzhou City have been affected by human activities.     

Spatial distribution, source identification and affecting factors of heavy metals contamination in urban–suburban soils of Lishui city, China

An investigation on spatial distribution, possible pollution sources, and affecting factors of heavy metals in the urban–suburban soils of Lishui city (China) was conducted using geographic information system (GIS) technique and multivariate statistics. The results indicated that the topsoils in urban and suburban areas were enriched with metals, such as Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Spatial distribution maps of heavy metal contents, based on geostatistical analysis and GIS mapping, indicated that Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn had similar patterns of spatial distribution. Their hot-spot areas were mainly concentrated in the densely populated old urban area of the city. Multivariate statistical analysis (correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and clustering analysis) showed distinctly different associations among the studied metals, suggesting that Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Zn had anthropogenic sources, whereas Co and V were associated with parent materials and therefore had natural sources. The Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn contents were positively correlated with soil organic matter, pH, and sand content (p < 0.01). It is concluded that GIS and multivariate statistical methods can be used to identify hot-spot areas and potential sources of heavy metals, and assess soil environment quality in urban–suburban areas.     

Heavy metal contamination in water and sediment of the Port Klang coastal area, Selangor, Malaysia

This investigation presents the temporal and spatial distribution of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Hg, and Zn), in water and in sediments of Port Klang, Malaysia. Water and sediment samples were collected from 21 stations at 3-month intervals, and contamination factor $ (C_{\text{f}} ) $ and contamination degree $ (C_{\text{d}} ) $ were calculated to estimate the contamination status at the sampling stations. Cluster analysis was used to classify the stations based on the contamination sources. Results show that concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in sediment and As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cr, and Zn in water were significantly higher than the background values at which these metals are considered hazardous. The main sources of heavy metal contamination in Port Klang were industrial wastewater and port activities.     

雄安新区土壤重金属和砷元素空间分布特征及源解析

研究雄安地区土壤重金属和砷元素空间分布特征及其来源,对于支撑新区土地资源和环境管理具有重要意义。基于雄安新区土壤环境调查,运用地统计学方法和ArcGIS 技术分析模拟了土壤中As、Hg、Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn、Ni、Cr等8种元素空间分布特征,综合运用空间分析、多元统计学方法和正定因子矩阵模型解析这些元素的主要来源。结果表明:（1）区内土壤质量总体良好,4.35 %的土壤样品Cd和Cu含量超过农用地土壤污染风险筛选值,但均低于农用地土壤污染风险管控值;与河北省背景值相比,Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn和Hg存在不同程度中度和显著富集。（2）As、Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn、Ni、Cr含量呈现出由北部向南部逐渐增高的趋势,高值区主要分布在新区西南部;Hg元素分布分散,高值区主要分布在城镇及工业企业周边。（3）不同土地利用类型土壤剖面重金属和砷元素垂向分布受pH值、有机碳和铁铝氧化物等理化性质影响显著。（4）研究区土壤重金属和砷元素富集受人类活动影响明显,人为来源贡献率达67.12 %,Hg元素主要来源于人为排放的大气沉降富集,As元素富集受到废渣堆放和利用的影响,Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn元素富集受工业生产、污水灌溉以及尾气排放等活动影响。研究成果可为雄安新区合理制定土地资源开发利用和生态保护措施提供技术支撑。     

The spatial distribution pattern of heavy metal concentrations in urban soils — a study of anthropogenic effects in Berehove,Ukraine

In the present study we examined the Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn contamination levels of the soils of Berehove, a small city in West-Ukraine. As a first step we determined the spatial distribution of the heavy metal contents of the urban soils; then, by studying the land use structure of the city and by statistical analysis we identified the major sources of contamination; we established a matrix of correlations between the heavy metal contents of the soils and the different types of land use; and finally, we drew a conclusion regarding the possible origin(s) of these heavy metals. By means of multivariate statistical analysis we established that of the investigated metals, Ba, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn accumulated in the city’s soils primarily as a result of anthropogenic activity. In the most polluted urban areas (i.e. in the industrial zones and along the roads and highways with heavy traffic), in the case of several metals (Ba, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) we measured concentration levels even two or three times higher than the threshold limit values. Furthermore, Cr, Fe and Ni are primarily of lithogenic origin; therefore, the soil concentrations of these heavy metals depend mainly on the chemical composition of the soil-forming rocks.     

Multivariate statistical approach to identify heavy metal sources in agricultural soil around an abandoned Pb–Zn mine in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

A study of agricultural lands around an abandoned Pb–Zn mine in a karst region was undertaken to (1) assess the distribution of heavy metals in the agricultural environment, in both dry land and paddy field; (2) discriminate between natural and anthropogenic contributions; and (3) identify possible sources of any pollution discovered. Ninety-two samples of cultivated soils were collected around the mine and analyzed for eight heavy metals, pH, fluoride (F^?), cation exchange capacity, organic matter, and grain size. The eight heavy metals included Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, and Hg. The average concentrations (mg/kg) obtained were as follows: Cd 16.76 ± 24.49, Cr 151.5 ± 18.24, Cu 54.28 ± 18.99, Ni 57.5 ± 14.43, Pb 2,576.2 ± 1,096, Zn 548.7 ± 4,112, As 29.1 ± 6.36, and Hg 1.586 ± 1.46. In a site where no impact from mining activities was detected, the mean and median of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, and Hg concentrations in investigated topsoils were higher than the mean and median of heavy metal concentrations in reference soils. An ensemble of basic and multivariate statistical analyses was performed to reduce the multidimensional space of variables and samples. Two main sets of heavy metals were revealed as indicators of natural and anthropogenic influences. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) and categorical PCA demonstrated that Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Hg are indicators of anthropogenic pollution, whereas Cr, As and Ni concentrations are mainly associated with natural sources in the environment. The contamination from Pb–Zn mining operations, coupled with the special karst environment, was a key contributing factor to the spatial distribution of the eight heavy metals in the surrounding soil. The values of heavy metals in the soil samples suggested the necessity of conducting a rigorous assessment of the health and environmental risks posed by these residues and taking suitable remedial action as necessary.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around chromite mining areas, Nuggihalli, Karnataka, India

Toxic heavy metals represent one of the possible environmental hazards from mine lands, which affect many countries having historic mining industries. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the degree of soil pollution occurring near chromite mines, and make a systematic evaluation of soil contamination based on geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor and pollution index. This paper presents the pollution load of toxic heavy metals (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn and Zr) in 57 soil samples collected around three different active (Tagdur), abandoned (Jambur) chromite mining sites as well residential zone around Chikkondanahalli of the Nuggihalli Schist Belt, Karnataka, India. Soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals by using Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Results indicated that elevated concentrations of Cr, Ni and Co in soils of the study area exceed the Soil Quality Guideline limits (SQGL). The high enrichment factor for Cr, Ni Co obtained in the soil samples show that there is a steady increase of toxic heavy metals risk in this area, which could be correlated with the past mining activity and post abandoned mining in the area. The data was also treated to study the geoaccumulation index, pollution index and spatial distribution of toxic elements. Emphasis need to be put on control measures of pollution and remediation techniques in the study area.     

广西铅锑矿冶炼区表层土壤重金属污染的分布规律

为了解铅锑冶炼活动对周边土壤的污染情况,通过实地采样调查和室内样品分析,对河池铅锑矿冶炼区周边土壤中重金属含量的空间分布规律进行了分析,并对该区重金属污染情况进行评价。结果表明:冶炼区表层土壤受到较高含量的Sb、Pb、Zn污染,As、Cd和Cu也有一定程度的污染。土壤中的w(Sb)、w(Pb)和w(Zn)分别为195～2034 mg/kg、259～2261 mg/kg和365～1033 mg/kg,分别达到背景值的4.8～33.3倍、3.4～29.7倍和1.4～3.9倍。冶炼区表层土壤中的重金属含量与冶炼厂的远近关系密切,Sb、As和Pb在0～400 m范围急剧衰减,400 m范围内Sb、As和Pb分别衰减了92.5%、95%、93.7%。在400～2400 m的2000 m区间Sb、As和Pb分别衰减了64.4%、80.9%、52.1%。Cd在200 m范围内衰减了88.7%,在200～2400 m范围没有显著变化。Sb、As、Cd和Pb在400～2400 m范围呈缓慢衰减,使得重金属的影响可达很远。Sb和Pb的衰减趋势高度相似,这对于Pb-Sb的全球迁移具有相关的意义。     

基于污染指数法和GIS技术评价江西德兴矿区土壤重金属污染

以江西德兴大型矿区为例,进行大尺度的土壤环境调查和重金属污染评价。系统采集该区域919个土壤样品,在应用X荧光光谱仪和电感耦合等离子原子发射光谱仪为主体的分析配套方案分析土壤样品中重金属含量的基础上,采用单因子污染指数法和综合污染指数法,分别从原始含量、污染指数以及基于GIS的污染空间分析3个方面进行该矿区的土壤重金属污染评价。结果表明,矿山开采对该区的土壤环境造成了不同程度的As、Cd、Zn、Cu重金属污染。污染区域主要分布在德兴铜钼和铅锌矿区、乐安河下游乐平附近的煤矿区以及南部电化学厂附近。     

Comprehensive analysis of heavy metals in soils from Baoshan District, Shanghai: a heavily industrialized area in China

The potential for soil heavy metal contamination in high risk areas is a crucial issue that will impact the environment. Soil samples were collected in 2003 and 2007 to investigate heavy metal contamination characteristics and pollution changes in the industrialized district of Baoshan (Shanghai, China). Both multi-statistic and geostatistic approaches were used and proved to be useful in the interpretation of the analytical results. The potential for soil contamination in the high risk areas presents a crucial issue that will impact the environment. The results indicate that soil in the Baoshan District is alkaline. Additionally, the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil increased between 2003 and 2007. The study results indicated that the concentration of the metals lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium(Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in the soil has great discrepancy, especially of Pb and Cr. The concentrations of Pb and Cr in the soil show significant difference between two observed years (p?<?0.05). The concentration of most of these metals was higher in 2007 than 2003. Only the concentrations of Cd and As were not higher in 2007. Traffic and industrial contaminants were the likely source of Pb and As; Hg largely came from agricultural contamination, household garbage and industrial contamination; Cd, Cr, Zn and Cu mainly originated from industrial activities. Multivariate statistical analyses showed that human activities mainly contributed to heavy metal contamination. Spatial distribution confirmed this by showing that areas with the highest metal concentrations occurred where there were high levels of industrial activity and traffic. Potential ecological risk assessment results showed that high risk zones were highly correlated with spatial analysis. The study estimated that in 2007, 85.2?% of the district could be categorized as high risk, which is 77.4 times more than that in 2003.     

Spatial variations in grain size distribution and selected metal contents in the Xiamen Bay,China

The present work attempts to describe the spatial distribution of heavy metals in the surficial sediments of the Xiamen Bay influencing by the characters of the sediments. In this paper, the distribution of trace metals, as well as the main properties (i.e. grain size, TOC, AVS) based on surface sediments collected at 40 stations across the Xiamen Bay was done. The relation of the sediment properties to heavy metal concentrations was evaluated with Pearson’s correlation analysis. According to the grain size distribution, cluster analysis is used to classify the sampling stations into groups regarding the depositional environment. Basing on the data, the hydrodynamic feature and the contamination of surface sediment by selected metals were discussed. The results show that the distribution of various types of sediments and the variations of their concentrations of heavy metals are controlled largely by the hydrodynamic conditions. As for the surface sediments, Xiamen West Harbour shows a serious situation with Arsenic, Pb and Zn.     

Investigation of potential accumulation and spatial distribution of heavy metals in topsoil surrounding the cement plant of Meftah (southeastern Algiers region,Algeria)

Cement’s dust particles contamination on soil has received a good amount of attention due to toxicity persistence in the environment. It must be noted that cement dust falls are enriched in toxic heavy metals, which can spread throughout a large area by wind and rain then accumulate on plants, animals, and soils, thus ultimately affecting human health. For this purpose, a study was achieved to evaluate the potential accumulation and spatial distribution of heavy metals in topsoils surrounding the Meftah cement factory, situated at the southeastern of Algiers region. Sixty six soil samples were collected following six directions (east, northeast, north, northwest, west, and southwest) from cement factory on a radius of 3.5 km approximately. The physicochemical parameters, such as the pH, the conductivity, and the organic matter of these samples were determined. The concentration of the Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn elements, in soil samples, were determined with flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) method and the data generated were analyzed statistically. Thus, the enrichment factor (EF), pollution index (PI), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to the dataset in order to calculate and estimate the enrichment of metal concentrations in soils. Moreover, mapping of the spatial distribution of heavy metals was carried out using geographic information system (GIS), to determine more polluted areas and accomplish the objectives of the study. The results of our analysis indicate that soils were polluted most significantly by metals such as lead, zinc, copper, and cadmium. It is thus important to keep systematic and continuous monitoring of the bag filter to reduce the cement dust emission. As possible, remediation activities be carried out on the soil of heavy metals and their derivatives to manage and suppress such pollution.     

Total and exchangeable concentrations of heavy metals in soils near Bytom,an area of Pb/Zn mining and smelting in Upper Silesia,Poland

High concentrations of several heavy metals were suspected in soils in an area of some contemporary and extensive historical mining and smelting of Pb and Zn near the town of Bytom. In order to investigate the spatial distribution of heavy metals, 152 soil samples were taken at high sampling density in an area of 14 km² on a regular grid as well as along an 11 km transect. The samples were analysed for total Pb, Zn and Cd content by ICP-AES; a selection of samples were also analysed for total As content.Significant levels of contamination were found. Median topsoil concentrations (0–10 cm) for Pb, Cd, Zn and As were 430 μg g⁻¹, 13 μg g⁻¹, 1245 μg g⁻¹ and 35 μg g⁻¹, respectively. The detected levels of Pb, Zn and Cd were mostly in reasonable agreement with findings from a previous low-density study, but As concentrations were up to 6 times higher than had previously been reported for the area. Additional zones of particularly high concentrations could be identified for all 4 elements by this higher-density survey. Contaminant concentrations were generally found to decrease substantially with increasing depth, on average by a factor of 3.5 for Cd, 3.0 for Zn and 2.6 for Pb. However, significant subsoil contamination (40–50 cm) was also detected, in particular for Zn, Pb and As, which appeared to be enriched at depth in certain locations.To assess the potential availability of the metals to plants, the exchangeable fraction (0.5 M MgCl₂) was estimated for Pb, Zn and Cd for 84 samples. Levels were strongly influenced by soil pH and were generally low for Pb (less than 1% of total, max 15.6%), moderate for Zn (less than 10% of total, max 32.4%), and high for Cd (mean 35% of total, max 59.8%). For Zn and Pb, there seemed to be a threshold pH value of about 6, below which a significant increase in the exchangeable fraction was observed. No such threshold value appeared to exist for Cd, which was found to be relatively labile even in slightly alkaline soils (mean of 27.6% exchangeable Cd in pH range 7–8).The detected levels of total metal contamination exceed various national and international thresholds, indicating the need for further investigation and an assessment of the suitability of the land for agricultural use, particularly in view of the high levels of exchangeable Cd.The pattern of spatial variation of the metals in the topsoil indicates that a variety of sources might be responsible for the contamination, historical mining and smelting probably being the most important.     

Soil and groundwater pollution of an urban catchment by trace metals: case study of the Addis Ababa region, central Ethiopia

Analysis of the total heavy metal (Cr, Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Ni, Zn, Co) concentration was performed on 33 soil samples taken from different profiles and soil types in a highly urbanized and industrial sector of Addis Ababa, central Ethiopia. They were analyzed using aqua regia extraction coupled with a four-stage sequential extraction (SE) procedure. The objectives of the analysis were to investigate the degree of soil heavy metal contamination, its binding forms, mobility and the implications for the groundwater resource. The results show a relatively high content of the analyzed trace metals in the soil attributed to anthropogenic and geogenic sources. Although most of the trace metals are found in the upper few centimeters of the residual soils, because of churning processes within the black cotton soils, vertical distribution of the trace metals is complex. According to the heavy metal SE analysis, the major heavy metal contribution is from the residual followed by the hydroxide phases. Groundwater heavy metal contamination is present with more than 90 and 50% of the analyzed groundwater samples exceeding WHO guidelines for Cr and Cd, respectively. Since the degree of soil heavy metal contamination has apparently not surpassed the soil’s buffering capacity, it appears that the transport path of these toxic metals to the groundwater is through fractures, joints, and related preferential flow paths.     

大庆市大气干湿沉降重金属元素通量及来源

大庆市是我国最大的陆上油田和重要的石油化工基地,开展重金属沉降通量及来源研究对于评估土壤重金属的来源及人类活动对土壤环境的影响具有重要意义。于2008年4月至次年4月采用被动采样技术共收集大气干湿沉降样品17份,配套土壤17份。通过AFS-230E原子荧光光度计法和ICP-AES全谱直读电感耦合等离子发射光谱法测试与分析了样品中的重金属含量,计算了沉降通量和富集因子。元素沉降通量与配套土壤的相关分析结果表明:Hg、Cd、As、Cr、Ni、Pb的沉降通量较低,而主要来源于人为污染源的Zn、Pb、As、Cd表现出较强或极强度的富集;土壤Zn、Cd的积累与大气沉降之间具有显著的相关关系。其他元素来源较为复杂,不同地区元素沉降通量之间差异显著。沉降量主要与城市地理位置、气候条件、人口数、工业结构、城市化水平等因素有关。     

Distribution of Cd,Pb, Zn and Cu and their chemical speciations in soils from a peri-smelter area in northeast China

An exploratory study on soil contamination of heavy metals was carried out surrounding Huludao zinc smelter in Liaoning province, China. The distribution of total heavy metals and their chemical speciations were investigated. The correlations between heavy metal speciations and soil pH values in corresponding sites were also analyzed. In general, Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu and As presented a significant contamination in the area near the smelter, comparied with Environmental Quality Standards for Soils in China. The geoaccumulation index showed the degree of contamination: Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu > As. There was no obvious pollution of Cr and Ni in the studied area. The speciation analysis showed that the dominant fraction of Cd and Zn was the acid soluble fraction, and the second was the residual fraction. Pb was mostly associated with the residual fraction, which constituted more than 50% of total concentration in all samples. Cu in residual fraction accounted for a high percentage (40–80%) of total concentration, and the proportion of Cu in the oxidizable fraction is higher than that of other metals. The distribution pattern of Pb and Zn was obviously affected by soil pH. It seemed that Pb and Zn content in acid solution fraction increased with increasing soil pH values, while Cd content in acid soluble fraction accounted for more proportion in neutral and alkaline groups than acidic one. The fraction distribution patterns of Cu in three pH groups were very similar and independent of soil pH values. And the residual fraction of Cu took a predominant part (50%) of the total content.     

Spatial distribution and contamination assessment of heavy metals in urban topsoil from inside the Xi’an second ringroad, NW China

The paper reports the spatial distribution and contamination level of heavy metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and V) in urban topsoil from the interior area of the second ringroad of Xi’an city, China, based on X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy measurements. Geostatistical analysis shows that Co, Cu, and Pb have similar spatial distribution patterns. Heavy traffic density mainly contributed to the high concentrations of Co, Cu and Pb. The spatial distribution of Cr coincides with the industrial activity, whereas the spatial distribution of Zn differs from other heavy metals. The high concentrations of Zn coincide with heavy traffic and high population density. For Mn, Ni and V, natural factors are important in controlling their distribution. The calculated geoaccumulation indices indicate that urban topsoil inside the Xi’an second ringroad was uncontaminated by Cr, V, Mn and Ni, while Pb, Cu, Co and Zn are classified as uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with means of 0.64, 0.46, 0.26 and 0.21, respectively. The Nemero synthesis pollution index of these heavy metals revealed that the topsoil inside Xi’an second ringroad has been heavily contaminated due to anthropogenic activity.