Distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in soil in a commonly used mining area

Abstract

This study investigated the spatial, vertical and fraction distribution, multivariate statistical analysis, as well as assessed pollution levels and health risks posed by heavy metals at the Wenshan mining area. There were 6 sampling points at the site, from which a total of 32 samples were collected. The eastern and south-eastern parts of the site were heavily polluted, while the western and north-western parts were less contaminated. As pollution was particularly severe in the topsoil, with the mean value of 503.31 mg kg− 1 being more than 25-fold higher than the risk screening value. As content in all layers was greater than the standard risk screening value in the three typical profiles. The proportion of various Ni, Cu and As fractions changed slightly with depth at all three sampling points, and the residual fraction percentage accounted for more or nearly 80% of the total concentration. In addition, a significantly negative correlation (p < 0.05) was detected between Ni and As (-0.85), indicating a different source of these two elements. Principal component analysis demonstrated that two PCs, i.e. PC1, attributed to human activities, e.g. mining activities and transport, and PC2, defined as natural sources, were responsible for 80.632% of the total variance. As posed severe ecological and unacceptable health risks, i.e. non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks both for adults and children. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of mining pollutants and improved emission management in the mining process are essential to protect the environment and health of local residents.

Evaluation of heavy metal contamination of soil and the health risks in four potato-producing areas

“…The results of the carcinogenic risk evaluation in this study indicated that the three heavy metals Cr, As, and Cd that were found in the soil in the four study areas all had different degrees of carcinogenic risk for adults and children through ingestion, and the order of risk was Cr > As > Cd. The carcinogenic risk for humans was greater for children than adults, which is consistent with the results of Xu et al (2021) and Wang et al (2021). Exposure to Cd through dermal contact for both adults and children resulted in a carcinogenic risk of Cd that was not significant in the four study areas, while As had some carcinogenic risk for adults or children in some of the study areas.…”

A Critical Review on Approaches for Phosphorus Ore Flotation Tailings Treatment and Disposal Technology: Environment Properties, Comprehensive Utilization, and Resource Utilization

“…Resource utilization is the recovery of useful resources from POFTs while achieving resource recovery. Excessive emissions of P, Mg, and Ca resources can disrupt ecological balance and endanger human health. , The recycling of P, Mg, and Ca resources is of great significance to people’s health, environmental protection, resource conservation, and cost reduction. − A large number of researchers have recovered P, Mg, and Ca resources by calcination-carbonation, calcination-leaching, nitric acid leaching, and ammonia recycling − and realize the resource utilization of POFTs.…”

Simulation Study on Risk and Influencing Factors of Cadmium Loss in Contaminated Soil

“…Regarding leaching time, the Cd concentration was high at the initial leaching stage, decreasing progressively with extended leaching time and finally stabilizing. Xu [50] studied the migration law of heavy metals in filling and reclamation materials. The results revealed that Zn, Cu, and Pb concentrations were released longer when exposed to rainfall, while Cr and Cd were released more rapidly.…”