Factorial Kriging analysis and sources of heavy metals in soils of different land-use types in the Yangtze River Delta of Eastern China.

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to analyse the pollution status and spatial correlation of soil heavy metals and identify natural and anthropogenic sources of these heavy metals at different spatial scales. Two hundred and twenty-four soil samples (0-20cm) were collected and analysed for eight heavy metals (Cd, Hg, As, Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn and Ni) in soils of different land-use types in the Yangtze River Delta of Eastern China. The multivariate methods and factorial Kriging analysis were used to achieve the research objectives. The results indicated that the human and natural effects of different land-use types on the contents of soil heavy metals were different. The Cd, Hg, Cu, Pb and Zn in soils of industrial area were affected by human activities, and the pollution level of these heavy metals in this area was moderate. The Pb in soils of traffic area was affected by human activities, and eight heavy metals in soils of residential area and farmland area were affected by natural factor. The ecological risk status of eight heavy metals in soils of the whole study area was light. The heavy metals in soils showed three spatial scales (nugget effect, short range and long range). At the nugget effect and short range scales, the Cd, Hg, Cu, Pb and Zn in soils were affected by human and natural factors. At three spatial scales, the As, Cr and Ni in soils were affected by soil parent materials.