基于形态学分析铅锌矿不同功能区土壤重金属元素的分布特征及污染评价

为掌握尤溪铅锌矿区土壤重金属元素分布特征和污染现状,通过采集尤溪铅锌矿不同功能区0~20cm表层土壤样品,测定土壤中Pb、Zn、Cd、Cu、Cr 5种重金属元素的总量及其化学形态,分析不同功能区土壤重金属污染及分布特征,同时采用次生相与原生相比值法(RSP)进行污染评价。结果表明,尤溪铅锌矿不同功能区土壤中Pb、Zn、Cd含量均超过国家土壤环境质量三级标准,废弃冶炼区土壤Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn含量均最高,分别为标准值的14.78、1.13、3.73、1.34倍,采矿区Cr含量最高,但未超过标准限值。重金属形态结果表明,相比其他元素,Cd弱酸提取态所占比例最高,Cu可交换态比例最高,Pb、Zn、Cr以残渣态为主。RSP法评价表明,不同重金属的污染程度表现为:Cu(1.15)Cd(0.80)Pb(0.59)Zn(0.57)Cr(0.54);不同功能区土壤重金属污染表现为:尾矿库区冶炼区废弃冶炼区采矿区。SPEF法评价表明,尤溪铅锌矿区受人为污染明显,采矿区和尾矿库区Zn污染最为严重,冶炼区和废弃冶炼区Pb污染最为严重,功能区污染顺序为:尾矿库区冶炼区废弃冶炼区采矿区。     

贵州晴隆大厂锑矿尾矿(渣)潜在资源量与环境污染评价

为了解贵州晴隆大厂锑矿尾矿(渣)潜在资源量和环境污染情况,对大厂锑矿尾矿(渣)分布及堆存情况进行资料调研和实地调查,测定分析了尾矿(渣)及周围表层土壤中Pb、Zn、As、Sb、Cr、Cu、Ni、Cd和Hg等重金属含量和土壤pH值等指标.结果 显示晴隆大厂锑矿尾矿(渣)锑的潜在资源量可达2.97万t,并伴生金583kg.晴隆大厂锑矿尾矿(渣)堆周围表层土壤pH平均值为4.74,属于酸性土壤;且研究区表层土壤重金属As和Sb受到了明显的污染,Cu、Zn和Cd可能受到一定程度的污染.此外,利用单因子污染指数法、内梅罗综合污染评价法和地累积指数法,对该区尾矿(渣)附近的表层土壤中重金属污染状况进行综合评价,均说明研究区表层土壤受到明显污染的重金属为Sb和As.建议考虑对该区尾矿(渣)中金属Sb和Au进行资源回收利用,这不但能达到变废为宝的目的 ,还能对尾矿(渣)进行减量化处理,减少其对周围环境产生的影响.     

广西废弃矿区土壤中Cd、Pb、As污染特征及环境质量评价研究

文中对广西某废弃稀土矿区9个采样点0～20 cm(表层)和20～60 cm(深层)以及2个土壤剖面共38个土壤样品进行取样分析,采用地积累指数评价法和潜在生态风险指数评估模型评价了Cd、Pb、As三项重金属污染状况和潜在生态风险并应用相关性分析了重金属来源。结果显示：(1)表层和深层土壤中重金属元素Cd、Pb存在明显的重金属超标现象,尤其是Cd含量超标情况严重,在表层和深层土壤中,Cd的超标率均达到了100%,Pb的超标率分别达到了33.3%和22.2%,As含量正常处于未污染状态。(2)表层和深层土壤3种重金属元素的相关性分析显示,Cd和Pb的相关性不明显,As元素表现出极显著正相关;(3)污染评价显示,表层土壤重金属元素中Cd处于偏中度污染水平,Pb处于轻度污染水平,深层土壤中Cd、Pb均处于偏中度污染水平,表层和深层土壤中As元素均显示无污染。(4)As元素在矿区和非矿区0～100 cm剖面I_geo值均小于-1属于无污染等级。非矿区剖面土壤重金属Cd、Pb的污染程度整体上小于矿区Cd、Pb污染。在矿区范围内,Cd、Pb含量均表现出随着土壤深度增大先升高后降低...     

基于多元统计和傅立叶和谱分析的土壤重金属的来源解析及其风险评价

分析珠江三角洲腹地佛山顺德区208个蔬菜地表层土样Cu、Ni、Cr、As、Pb、Zn、Cd和Hg等8种重金属的全量,结果表明,8种重金属的平均浓度高于广东省土壤背景值。Cd和Hg的最高浓度和变异系数分别为6.54mg/kg、115%和4.82mg/kg、151%,暗示Cd和Hg的人为来源。多元统计与傅立叶和谱分析的结合,解释了Cr、Ni和Cu的自然来源,Pb、Zn、As、Cd和Hg的人为来源;傅立叶和谱分析进一步阐释了Zn与Cu的双重来源,并推断土壤Hg来源于大气沉降。研究区内大约21.7%的土壤受重金属污染,表明需要调整该区的农业生产活动。     

石家庄污灌区表层土壤中重金属环境地球化学研究

对石家庄市污灌区上、中、下游3条剖面中的农田表层土壤重金属元素Pb、Hg、cr、Cd、As、Cu、Zn的含量、污染状况、形态等进行了调查与研究.结果发现.研究区表层土壤中的重金属(除As外)在污灌区上、中、下游均有不同程度的富集,其中Hg、Cd含量较高,下游表层土壤中重金属平均含量均高于上、中游.运用Muller的地积累指数法进行了污染评价,结果表明,以河北省土壤背景值计算,As未对研究区表层土壤造成污染,研究区上、中、下游表层土壤受到了Hg、Cd的污染,主要为轻度一中等的污染程度.研究区表层土壤中Pb、Hg、Cr、As、Cu、Zn的形态主要为残渣态,Cd的形态主要为离子交换态和碳酸盐态,Cd具有一定的生物有效性和潜在生态危害性.     

中南某废弃铅冶炼场地土壤剖面重金属污染成因及风险评估

城镇化和产业升级在中南地区形成了大量废弃冶炼场地，这些场地的环境污染风险已严重制约了当地社会可持续发展。为厘清废弃冶炼场地重金属的污染特征及成因，以中南某废弃铅冶炼场地为例，采集不同冶炼功能区和周边农田的土壤剖面样品，分析其重金属含量、分布和迁移特征，采用主成分分析和风险评估编码法等方法进行污染源解析和风险评估。结果显示，该场地土壤重金属污染严重，主要来源有冶炼源、交通源和自然源；场地重金属污染的空间异质性强且受来源控制显著；场地土壤Pb、Zn、Cu、Cd和As含量超过筛选值，Pb、Cd和As是最主要的生态风险因子，土壤Cd的迁移能力沿剖面从表层向下逐渐增强，存在危害地下水和场地周边农作物的风险。     

漳州市城市土壤重金属含量特征及控制因素

讨论了 108个取自漳州市城区公园、生活区及环城菜地等不同功能区的表层 (0～ 20 cm)土壤样品中重金属含量及分布特点,根据土壤中重金属元素与主元素间的相关分析、聚类分析,探讨了影响土壤中重金属分布和来源的因素.结果表明,漳州市城市土壤 Hg、 Cd、 Pb、 Cu、 Zn、 As、 Cr和 Ni的平均含量分别为 0.471 mg/kg、 0.353 mg/kg、 75.9 mg/kg、 32.6 mg/kg、 106.7 mg/kg、 6.86 mg/kg、 29.7 mg/kg和 12.8 mg/kg,其中相对于区域土壤背景值与国家土壤环境质量标准,污染较突出的元素是 Hg和 Cd.深受人为污染活动影响的城区土壤和菜地土壤重金属平均含量也尤为突出,城区土壤 Hg平均含量最高,菜地土壤 Cd平均含量最高.元素的相关性分析和聚类分析结果表明 Hg相对于其他元素表现较独立, S对 Hg有一定的捕获能力;As、 Cr和 Ni是受控于成土母质的元素组合;Cd和 Pb是受人为污染影响较强的元素, Cu来源于地质成因的比例较大;Zn受控于土壤中锰氧化物粘粒.     

再生铅工业园周边土壤重金属分布特征及来源解析

通过对安徽再生铅工业园周边0～20 cm深度的表层土壤及0～300 cm深度的剖面土壤中重金属含量、分布特征、赋存形态的研究及来源解析,发现土壤中Cd、Hg、As、Pb、Cr、Cu、Ni及Zn含量平均值分别为300.4 ng/g、39.45 ng/g、12.22 mg/kg、42.5 mg/kg、75.4 mg/kg、28.5 mg/kg、33.5 mg/kg、74.1 mg/kg,富集元素主要有Cd、Pb及Hg,其中土壤Cd、Pb富集明显受工业活动影响,Hg富集与工业活动无关。土壤Cd明显富集面积为21 km~2,影响深度为65 cm。土壤Pb明显富集面积为12 km~2,影响深度为20 cm。土壤Hg普遍为中度富集,富集深度为0～65 cm。土壤中Cd以碳酸盐结合态为主,其次为铁锰氧化物结合态,Pb以残渣态、铁锰氧化物结合态为主。Cd的碳酸盐结合态和铁锰氧化物结合态、Pb的残渣态和铁锰氧化物结合态均与其全量呈显著正相关。研究区土壤环境质量较好,仅有9.5%样点Cd含量与5.4%样点Pb含量超过了《GB 15618—2018土壤环境质量农用地土壤污染风险管控标准(试行)》规定的污染风险筛选值。     

雄安新区某金属冶炼区土壤重金属污染程度及风险评价

为支撑雄安新区土地资源科学管理,完善中国土壤污染评价体系,文章以雄安新区某废旧金属冶炼区为研究区开展地质调查,采集541件表层土壤样品,测定了土壤中的Cd、Hg、Pb、As、Cu、Zn、Cr、Ni八种重金属元素的含量和pH,采用主成分分析法研究重金属元素的组合及分布特征,通过单因子指数法、内梅罗综合指数法、地质累积指数法、潜在生态风险评价法和人体健康风险评价法对土壤重金属的污染程度及风险进行评价。结果显示：研究区土壤中Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb元素超标主要受冶炼活动影响,As、Hg元素高值异常主要由受唐河污染的地下水灌溉引起;单因子污染指数超标比例大小顺序为Cd>As>Cu>Zn>Pb>Hg>Cr=Ni;内梅罗综合指数评价结果显示54%的样品达到了污染水平;地质累积指数超标比例大小为Cd>Cu>Pb>As>Zn>Hg>Ni>Cr,Cu、Cd、Zn、Pb、As极重污染比例分别为13.5%、10.2%、9.1%、10.9%、17.2%;Cd和Hg是主要的生态危害元素,Cd中等-强生态危害比例为65.2%,Hg中等-强生态危害比例为71.3%;非致癌风险因子主要为As、Cr、Pb,95.2%样品对儿童的非致癌风险超过了1,29件样品中As对儿童的致癌风险超过10^-4,研究区土壤重金属对儿童具有较高的健康风险。     

云蒙湖表层沉积物重金属分布特征及风险评价

为了解云蒙湖表层沉积物中重金属的污染状况,选取云蒙湖沉积物中6种重金属(Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Cd、As)作为研究对象,测定并分析其在云蒙湖表层沉积物中的分布、来源及生态风险,以期为云蒙湖沉积物中重金属污染治理及饮用水安全保障提供依据。采用富集系数法、相关性分析及聚类分析对重金属来源进行分析,并选用富集系数法、地累积指数法和潜在生态危害指数法对重金属污染程度及潜在生态危害进行了评价。结果表明:云蒙湖表层沉积物中6种重金属Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Cd、As平均含量分别为20.9、73.1、23.1、62.0、0.4和4.5 mg/kg;与临沂市土壤背景比较,Cd、Zn和Cr的含量超过临沂市土壤背景值,Cd污染最严重。重金属来源分析结果显示:Cd受人类活动影响较大,可能与区域农业和林业施肥有关;Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr和 As这几种重金属以自然来源为主。综合富集系数法、地累积指数法和潜在生态危害指数法3种评价方法的结果得出,云蒙湖表层沉积物中Cd 为最主要的污染元素,且具有较强的生态危害。     

Assessment of Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni contamination in wetland soils and plants in the Lake Victoria basin

The impact of waste disposal on trace metal contamination was investigated in eleven wetlands in the Lake Victoria Basin. Samples of soil, water and plants were analysed for total Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni concentrations using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The trace metal concentrations in soil were the highest in Katanga wetland with the highest mean concentrations of 387.5±86.5 mg/kg Zn, 171.5±36.2 mg/kg Pb, 51.20±6.69 mg/kg Cu and 21.33±2.23 mg/kg Ni compared to the lowest levels observed at Butabika (30.7±3.2 mg/kg Zn, 15.3±1.7 mg/kg Pb, 12.77±1.35 mg/kg Cu and 6.97±1.49 mg/kg Ni). Katanga receives waste from multiple industrial sources including a major referral city hospital while Butabika is a former solid waste dumpsite. Wetland soil near a copper smelter had a Cu concentration of 5936.3±56.2 mg/kg. Trace metal concentrations in industrial effluents were above international limits for irrigation water with the highest concentrations of 357,000 μg/L Cu and 1480 μg/L Zn at a Cu smelter and 5600 μg/L Pb at a battery assembling facility compared to the lowest of 50 μg/L Cu and 50 μg/L Zn in water discharged from Wakaliga dumpsite. Uptake of trace metals from soil differed from plant to plant and site to site. Higher levels of trace metals accumulated in the root rather than in the rhizome and the least amount was in the leaf. The study identifies industry as a potential source of trace metal contamination of water and the environment pent-up need for policy intervention in industrial waste management.     

The high contents of lead in soils of northern Kosovo

A soil-based geochemical survey was carried out in an area of about 350 km² in northern Kosovo around the Zve?an Pb-Zn smelter. The concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, Th, U, Zn were determined in 452 topsoil and 82 subsoil samples. High contents of Pb, Cd, As, Sb, Zn and Cu were found in topsoil over a vast area including the Ibar and Sitnica river valleys. The highest concentrations were usually measured close to the Zve?an smelter. In some zones, the lead contents in surface soils exceeded 5000 mg/kg. Arsenic and antimony levels were usually more than 200 and 50 mg/kg, respectively, while cadmium contents were in the range 5-20 mg/kg. South of the Zve?an area, lead, antimony and cadmium pollution was strong in the densely populated urban area of Kosovska Mitrovica and along the agricultural alluvial plain of the Sitnica River. Depending on the chemical element, the pollution extended 15-22 km north and south of the Zve?an smelter. There was a progressive decrease of heavy element concentrations with increasing distance from the smelting plant. The contents of Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Cd, Sb significantly decreased with soil depth; in fact, the pollution only affected the upper 50 cm of soil. Crops were affected by soil pollution and many food-stuffs exceeded the EU standards. Suggestions for soil remediation are given.     

基于GIS技术的江西德兴地区水系沉积物重金属污染的潜在生态危害研究

矿山开发必然对矿区及周边地区的生态环境造成危害。对矿山及其周边地区的生态环境进行现状调查和评价,为生态环境治理客观依据,显得极为重要。在江西德兴地区,系统采集该区域330个水系沉积物样品,并采用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样品中重金属的含量基础上,采用潜在生态危害指数法和GIS空间分析技术研究该地区的水系沉积物重金属污染的潜在生态危害。研究结果表明,德兴地区水系沉积物重金属污染的潜在生态危害范围较大,强—很强的生态危害区主要集中德兴铜钼和铅锌矿区、德兴河与大坞河流域及其周边地区,而乐安河下游沿岸以及乐平附近与西北部景德镇附近的少数煤矿区、婺源县城附近和东南角玉山县北西的铜钼矿点附近地区主要为零星中等生态危害。     

The nature and distribution of Cu,Zn, Hg,and Pb in urban soils of a regional city: Lithgow,Australia

This study investigates the concentration and spatial distribution of Cu, Zn, Hg and Pb in the surface (0–2 cm) soils of a regional city in Australia. Surface soils were collected from road sides and analysed for their total Cu, Zn, Hg and Pb concentrations in the <180 μm and <2 mm grain size fractions. The average metal concentration of surface soils, relative to local background soils at 40–50 cm depth, are twice as enriched in Hg, more than three times enriched in Cu and Zn, and nearly six times as enriched in Pb. Median surface soil metal concentration values were Cu – 39 mg/kg (682 mg/kg max), Zn – 120 mg/kg (4950 mg/kg max), Hg – 44 μg/kg (14,900 μg/kg max) and Pb – 46 mg/kg (3490 mg/kg max). Five sites exceeded the Australian NEPC (1999) 300 mg/kg guideline for Pb in residential soils. Strong positive correlations between Cu, Zn and Pb, coupled with the spatial distribution of elevated soil concentrations towards the city centre and main roads suggest traffic and older housing as major sources of contamination. No spatial relationships were identified between elevated metal loadings and locations of past or present industries.     

Chromium and nickel distribution in soils, active river, overbank sediments and dust around the Burrel chromium smelter (Albania)

Chromium ore was treated to produce ferrochromium from 1979 until 2000 in a smelter in Burrel, 35 km NE of Tirana (Albania). As a consequence, large amounts of solid waste, i.e. slags (about 9.10⁶ m³) have been disposed next to the smelter, disfiguring the landscape. In an attempt to define contaminated sites, heavy metal content of the different sampling media have been compared with respective background samples.In the study area, the determination of background values in soil samples is complicated due to the different geological substrates. Cr and Ni background concentrations in serpentinite-derived soils, west of the smelting plant, are markedly higher than in the Pliocene gravel/sandy soils, where the smelter is situated (Cr 2147 and 193 mg/kg, respectively; Ni 2356 and 264 mg/kg). These values are clearly lower than those encountered around the smelter. Average total Cr and Ni concentrations in soils around the smelter are 3117 and 1243 mg/kg, respectively. The highest concentrations of Cr (up to 2.3 wt.%), were recorded in samples taken near the smelting compartment within the industrial plant and next to the slags clearly indicating that the smelter forms a point source of Cr contamination. The Cr / Fe ratio is the best indicator to differentiate non-polluted (Cr / Fe Serpentinite soil: 130–390; Pliocene soils: < 130) from polluted areas (> 390 smelting nearby of the slags).Cr and Ni values for local backgrounds in stream and overbank sediments were taken in the Mat river 6 km upstream and to the east of the smelter (268 and 430 mg/kg for Cr, and 306 and 604 mg/kg for Ni, respectively). Equivalent sediments taken from the Zalli i Germanit river, which drains the smelter area are respectively 816 and 1126 mg/kg for Cr and 1115 and 1185 mg/kg for Ni.Dust samples, taken from the lofts of houses up to 2 km from the smelter, display high concentrations of Cr, Ni and Zn (average contents of 2899, 436 and 902 mg/kg, respectively). The later concentrations in the dust samples have been confirmed by mineralogical analysis where Cr-bearing mineral phases such as ferrochromium and chromium oxides, clearly relate to the activity of the smelter. Consequently, atmospheric deposition of dust particles forms a serious problem and can also be responsible for the elevated contents encountered in soil samples around the smelter.All these data show that the degree of contamination caused by industrial activity of the Burrel Cr-smelter is severe, although no Cr(VI) was detected in soil water extractions nor in the surface or groundwater where concentrations were < 0.01 mg/kg.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around Balanagar industrial area,Hyderabad, India

The concentration of heavy metals such as Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn, Zr were studied in soils of Balanagar industrial area, Hyderabad to understand heavy metal contamination due to industrialization and urbanization. This area is affected by the industrial activities like steel, petrochemicals, automobiles, refineries, and battery manufacturing generating hazardous wastes. The assessment of the contamination of the soils was based on the geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor, and degree of contamination. Soil samples were collected from Balanagar industrial area from top 10–50 cm layer of soil. The samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for heavy metals. The data revealed that the soils in the study area are significantly contaminated, showing high level of toxic elements than normal distribution. The ranges of concentration of Cr (82.2–2,264 mg/kg), Cu (31.3–1,040 mg/kg), Ni (34.3–289.4 mg/kg), Pb (57.5–1,274 mg/kg), Zn (67.5–5819.5 mg/kg), Co (8.6–54.8 mg/kg), and V (66.6–297 mg/kg). The concentration of above-mentioned other elements was similar to the levels in the earth’s crust pointed to metal depletion in the soil as the EF was <1. Some heavy metals showed high EF in the soil samples indicating that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be correlated with the industries in the area. A contamination site poses significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may results in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems.     

Environmental geochemistry of mercury in the area of emissions of the Karabashmed copper smelter

Mercury emissions during production of blister copper at the smelter Karabashmed are roughly estimated. The high mercury content in the atmospheric dust, soils, lake sediments of the Karabash geotechnogenic system shows that emissions of the plant are the main source of environmental contamination. The mercury content in soils of residential territory ranges within 0.2–11.4 mg/kg, reaching 15 mg/kg in soils of the impact zone. The maximum mercury content in the bottom sediments of Lake Serebry is 32 mg/kg. The high degree of contamination by other elements of emissions (Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Cd) is also demonstrated. Obtained results justify the need for the instrumental control of mercury in emissions.     

Heavy metal contamination of soil around Pali Industrial Area,Rajasthan, India

Due to rapid industrialization, urbanization and intensive agriculture in India increasing contamination of heavy metals in soil has become a major concern. An environmental geochemical investigation was carried out in and around the Pali industrial development area of Rajasthan to determine the effect of contamination in the study area. Soil samples collected near the Pali industrial area were analyzed for Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Sr and V contents by using Philips PW 2440 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Samples were collected from the industrial area of Pali from the top 10 cm layer of the soil. Most of the samples were collected near small streams adjacent to industrial areas, and near Bandi River. Levels of the metals in soils around the industrial area were found to be significantly higher than their normal distribution in soil such as Pb – 293 mg/kg, Cr – 240 mg/kg, Cu – 298 mg/kg, Zn – 1,364 mg/kg, Sr – 2,694 mg/kg and V – 377 mg/kg. High concentration of these toxic elements in soil is responsible for the development of toxicity in agriculture products, which in turn affects human life. Distribution of metals, their contents at different locations, correlation of heavy metals in soil and their effect on human health are discussed in the paper.     

Assessment of trace element contamination in soils around Chinnaeru River Basin, Nalgonda District, India

Concentrations of trace elements such as As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn and Zr were studied in soils to understand metal contamination due to agriculture and geogenic activities in Chinnaeru River Basin, Nalgonda District, India. This area is affected by the geogenic fluoride contamination. The contamination of the soils was assessed on the basis of geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor and degree of contamination. Forty-four soil samples were collected from the agricultural field from the study area from top 10–50 cm layer of soil. Soil samples were analyzed for trace elements using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Data revealed that soils in the study area are significantly contaminated, showing high level of toxic elements than normal distribution. The ranges of concentration of Ba (370–1,710 mg/kg), Cr (8.7–543 mg/kg), Cu (7.7–96.6 mg/kg), Ni (5.4–168 mg/kg), Rb (29.6–223 mg/kg), Sr (134–438 mg/kg), Zr (141.2–8,232 mg/kg) and Zn (29–478 mg/kg). The concentration of other elements was similar to the levels in the earth’s crust or pointed to metal depletion in the soil (EF < 1). The high EFs for some trace elements obtained in soil samples show that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be due to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides used for agricultural or may be due to natural geogenic processes in the area. Comparative study has been made with other soil-polluted heavy metal areas and its mobility in soil and groundwater has been discussed. A contamination site poses significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may result in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems.     

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.