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A total of 260 surface soil samples were collected to investigate the spatial distribution of trace metals in Guangdong province, one of the fast developing regions in China. The results show that the upper baseline concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, and Hg were 28.7, 57.6, 77.8, 0.13, 23.5, 87.0, and 0.15 mg kg(-1), respectively. Regional parent materials and pedogenesis are the primary factors influencing the concentrations of trace metals, and various anthropogenic activities are the second most important factors. The spatial distribution of trace metals is correlated to the geological characters with high concentrations of trace metals always located in regional fault areas, basins, and the Pearl River Delta alluvial plain and to the low concentrations associated with the other areas in Guangdong province.

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In November 2016, the total metal concentrations in nine representative locations in lead (Pb)-zinc (Zn) mining areas, located in Guangdong Province, South China, were determined experimentally by flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The results indicated that the paddy soils were heavily contaminated with Cd (20.25 mg kg), Pb (1093.03 mg kg), and Zn (867.0 mg kg), exceeding their corresponding soil quality standard values and background values. According to the results, the mean enrichment factor levels of the studied metals decreased in the following order: Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Mn > Cr. Among these metals, Cd, Pb, and Zn were predominantly influenced by widespread anthropogenic activities. The highest concentrations of the studied metal pollutants were distributed in the areas surrounding the mining activity district. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the major contributing sources of the studied metals were metal ore mining, smelting, and processing activities. However, the composition of soil background was another potential source. Moreover, the assessment results of environment risks showed that the potential ecological risks, in decreasing order, were Cd > Pb > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Mn. Additionally, the non-carcinogenic risk represented the trend of HI > HI > HI > HI , and the carcinogenic risk ranked as CR > CR > CR . Among the environmental risk substances, Cd and Pb were the main contributors that pose ecological harm and health hazards through their serious pollution. Consequently, greater attention should be paid to this situation.

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