Heavy Metal Pollution in Soils and its Remedial Measures and Restoration in Mainland China

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the environmental impact of heavy metals in soils of China. Certain toxic heavy metals are taken up by crops, which can thus become a hazard to human and animal health and other heavy metals, can first lead to reduced crop yields. The chapter describes agricultural control measures for the remediation and restoration in heavy-metal contaminated agroecosystems. In China, there are three main causes of soil pollution: gas emission, mine and smelter discharges, and sewage irrigation and sludge application on agricultural land. China has a big nickel production base which is located in Jinchuan, Gansu. The remediation and restoration of soils contaminated by pollutants have recently become a great practical problem. Remedial measures of the soil require, insofar as possible, a full understanding of pollutants, soils, and crop properties. Many agricultural measures have been recommended for the remediation and restoration of the heavy metals contaminated soils in China.