Assessment of Soil Trace Metal Pollution in the Xuejiping Mine Area, Yunan, China

Abstract

AbstractEnvironmental pollution and risk assessment of trace metals in top soils of Xuejiping Mine in Xichang City are studied. Soil samples are collected around the mine areas. Seven trace metal elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and As) are analyzed to evaluate the pollution status using chemical speciation, geo‐accumulation index (Igeo), and the potential ecological risk index (RI). Results indicate that concentrations of trace metal elements in the mining area exceed soil background values in Yunnan Province. Trace metal elements are ranked according to the Igeo evaluation results (indicating the degree of pollution), as: Pb > As > Cu > Hg > Zn > Cd > Cr; trace elements are ranked as > > > > > > using the ecological risk index. These results indicate that the surface soil of the Xuejiping mining area is moderately polluted by trace metal elements. Therefore, effective measures can be taken to control the trace metals pollution in the mining area (especially for Pb and Cu).