Source, Distribution, and Risk Estimation of Hazardous Elements in Farmland Soils in a Typical Alluvial–Lacustrine Transition Basin, Hunan Province

Abstract

Increased concentrations of heavy metals in soil due to anthropogenic activities pose a considerable threat to human health and require constant attention. This study investigates the spatial distribution of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Sb) and metalloids (As) in a typical alluvial–lacustrine transition basin and calculates the bioavailable forms of elements posing a direct threat. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to identify the sources of contaminants, after which an ecological risk assessment was conducted. Total (T) As, Pb, and Zn decreased with the depth, whereas Cd and Sb increased in surface (0–20 cm) soil. Bioavailable (Bio) Cd and Pb in the topsoil were regulated by pH and organic matter, whereas Bio-Zn was regulated by soil pH. Within deeper soil layers, the combined effects of pH, organic matter, and clay contents regulated the bio-elements. The results of multiple methods and local investigation showed that TSb (65.3%) was mainly derived from mining activities, TCd (53.2%) and TZn (53.7%) were derived from direct pollution by industrial production and agricultural fertilizers, respectively, and TA (55.6%) was mainly derived from the soil parent material. TPb was related to vehicle exhaust emissions and atmospheric deposition from industrial activities. Although the potential ecological risk in the study area remains relatively low, there is a need for continuous monitoring of the potential ecological risks of Cd and Sb. This study can act as a reference for the prevention and mitigation of heavy metal contamination of alluvial–lacustrine transition basins.