Title: Heavy metals in urban soils of Xuzhou (China), Part I: total concentration of heavy metals in soils

Authors: Xue-song Wang, Yong Qin

Addresses: Department of Chemical Engineering, Huaihai Institute of Technology, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, 222005, China. ' School of Mineral Resources and Geo-Science, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221008, China

Abstract: Concentrations of Hg, As, Cd, Se, Sb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ag, Sn, Cr, Sc, Ba, Li, Bi and V were measured in 21 topsoil samples collected from the city of Xuzhou (China). Lead, Zn, Cd, As, Hg, Sb, Cu, Sn, Ag, Se and Bi have been found to be enriched in the topsoils with respect to the background values of Xuzhou, while Sc, Ba, Li, V, Ni and Cr are nearly in the normal concentration range. These observations have been further strengthened from the environmental risk index map and lognormal distribution pattern of the elements. In a soil core near Xuzhou iron-steel plant, the Ag, Se, Bi, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sb, Se and Sn, originating mainly from an anthropogenic origin, display systematic drops in concentration with depth. This study provides baseline data for continuing studies of heavy metal soil leachability.

Keywords: enrichment factors; environmental risk index; heavy metals; lognormal distribution plots; urban soils; China; environmental pollution; soil contamination; iron and steel plant; soil leachability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2008.019391

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2008 Vol.33 No.2/3, pp.173 - 184

Published online: 11 Jul 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article