Geochemical Characteristics of Typical Karst Soil Profiles in Anhui Province, Southeastern China

Abstract

The geographical distributions of Cd and several other heavy metals (HMs) (Hg, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cr, As, Co, and V) were characterized in 90 (p > 0.05) terra rossa samples across the Anhui karst area. Significant enrichment of HM was observed in this soil, mainly associated with the weathering of Cd-enriched carbonate rocks. Then, this enrichment was developed in 31 profiles. Our investigations revealed pedogenic processes as the dominant factors accounting for the enrichment of Hg, Cu, Ni, As, Co, and V. We also observed that all soil samples had a silty clay texture, with a pH scope of 4.08–8.04 and a median value of 6.50. In addition, the soil samples had relatively high saturation, with basic cations over 6.68%. The enrichment of the HMs based on their distinct factors were as follows: Cd (3.92) > As (2.55) > Zn (1.62) > Ni (1.50) > Cu (1.47) > Pb (1.47) > V (1.43) > Cr (1.23) > Co (1.19) > Hg (1.12). Finally, terra rossa samples derived from carbonate rocks were categorized as Cambisols, Luvisols, and Regosols. The soil profiles of Cambisols and Luvisolsis were less developed, so the HM concentrations were relatively low. The Regosols profile contained the highest total Cd concentration and exhibited a higher capacity to immobilize Cd compared with other soil profiles. Regosols are also characterized by high pH values (scope of 7.05 to 8.22, with an average value of 7.56). The contents of HM also exhibited minor changes across the Regosol, Cambisol, and Luvisol profiles, implying that the karst development degrees of weathering in Anhui were relatively low.