Distribution, Source, and Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals in Sewage Irrigation of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
Author:
Zhao Ying1, Yan Han2, Wang Fei34ORCID
Affiliation:
1. Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jinzhong University, Jinzhong 030619, China 2. Shanxi Provincial Security Center of Ecological Environmental Monitoring and Emergency (Shanxi Provincial Academy of Ecological Environmental Science), Taiyuan 030027, China 3. School of Physical Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China 4. School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
Abstract
The pollution of agricultural soil by heavy metals is a significant environmental issue that has a serious impact on human health and food security. This study focused on investigating the presence of heavy metal pollution in sewage-irrigated soils in Taiyuan city. A total of 110 soil samples were analyzed for the presence of As, Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn. The results showed that the concentrations of these metals ranged from 0.06 to 26.74 mg/kg for As, 0.00 to 0.84 mg/kg for Hg, 0.03 to 0.69 mg/kg for Cd, 44.32 to 100.09 mg/kg for Pb, 9.85 to 42.19 mg/kg for Cr, 13.38 to 53.72 mg/kg for Cu, and 42.77 to 145.47 mg/kg for Zn. The average concentrations of these metals were found to be below the risk values specified in the “Soil environmental quality (GB15618-2018)”, except for As and Cd in three sampling points in Xiaodian District. The heavy metal pollution in these areas can be attributed to various sources, such as industrial activities, the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and the irrigation process. According to the geo–accumulation index, the agricultural soil in the Taiyuan irrigation area was found to be uncontaminated by Zn, Cr, Cu, and As, and lightly contaminated by Cd, Hg, and Pb. The Nemerow Pollution Index indicated that the soil at all sampling points exhibited a slight level of pollution. Moreover, the ecological risk assessment indicated that all heavy metals posed a slight level of pollution. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for the development of effective policies and measures for soil environmental protection and pollution control.
Funder
Key Research and Development Project of Shanxi Province Higher Education Teaching Reform and Innovation Project
Subject
Chemical Health and Safety,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Toxicology
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