Migration, accumulation and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in soil-plant (shrub and herbage) systems at typical polymetallic mines in Northwest China

Abstract

Abstract In grassland systems of the semi-arid mining area, migration, accumulation and bioavailability of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are important ecological and health risk issues. 38 pairs of topsoil (0–20 cm) and plant samples were collected around Baiyin city and in Dongdagou stream valley to investigate the migration of PTEs in soils, transfer of PTEs in soil-plant (shrub and herbage) systems and assess the risk in soils and plants. The total concentrations of PTE (Hg, As, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) were analyzed following digestion in mixture acid solution and bioavailable PTE was extracted with a strong chelating agent (DTPA-TEA-CaCl2). The transfer factor (TF) and bioaccumulation factor (BCF) were calculated to examine the migration of PTEs in soil-plant. Hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard index (THI) were calculated to assess the risk and migration of PTEs in soils. The results showed that PTEs in soils and plants of study area exceeded the soil background value and Hygienic Standard for Feeds. Correlation among the total Hg, As, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in soils of Dongdagou stream valley were significant at p < 0.01. A good correlation was exhibited between PTEs in root/aboveground parts of plants and DTPA-soil extractable. Difference of TF and BCF were existed between Dongdagou stream valley and around Baiyin city. Hg, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were mainly accumulated in soils near the mining area. The calculated THI was exceeded 1, and As and Pb were the major risk factors. The ability to absorb and transfer Hg, As, Cu and Pb of plants was lower in more serious polluted area. As had a stronger migration capacity in study area. PTEs in soils had an adverse health effect for residents and PTEs in plants may cause toxicity to cattle and sheep.