Abstract
The contamination of soil by lead (Pb) is a serious and widespread problem in China, especially in mining areas. This paper summarized the available data regarding Pb-contaminated soils around various metal mines in China. Based on these data, the Pb concentration in the soil and its temporal and spatial changes were analyzed. Potential ecological hazards and adult lead models were also used to estimate ecological and health risks. The results indicated that the concentration of Pb was closely related with the type of mine. Compared with other types of mine, soil around lead-zinc (Pb-Zn) and tin (Sn) mines with high Pb contents in the metallic ores and high pollutant emission coefficient were more strongly polluted by Pb. The characteristic spatial and temporal variations of Pb pollution status in China were clarified, and the results showed that the concentration was high in the southern, southwestern, and central regions of China where many mining areas were located, and the mean value passed a turning point in 2012. Ecological risk assessments indicated that some areas around mines were at considerable to high risk, and the risk was relatively severe in Pb-Zn mining areas. According to the adult lead model, Pb-Zn mines had a greater impact on blood Pb concentration than the other types of mine.
Highlights
Lead (Pb) is considered one of the most toxic trace elements in the environment, and it potentially can cause serious health problems in humans, animals, and plants [1,2,3,4].Many studies have investigated the pollution of soil with Pb, including environmental and health issues across China
63 major metal mines were identified in 21 provinces throughout China in this study (Figure 1)
Ioral deficits can occur if the blood levels (BLLs) is lower than 100 μg/L, or even 50 μg/L [36]
Summary
Lead (Pb) is considered one of the most toxic trace elements in the environment, and it potentially can cause serious health problems in humans, animals, and plants [1,2,3,4]. Li et al [12] performed pollution and health risk assessments for soils in 72 mining areas and proposed that Pb, cadmium, arsenic, and other pollutants should be prioritized for control. These conclusions are very important for determining the key elements that need to be controlled during environment management. A comprehensive pollution assessment is urgently needed on a national scale for mining areas in China, especially determining the differences in the potential risk as‐. Especially determining the differences in the potential pollution around various metal mines in China; (2) to analyze the ecological risks and risklead associated with various mines. The conclusions obtained in this study could be useful for and developing management policies and control measures for different mines
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