Abstract
In this study, we identified the sources of trace metals, investigated their spatial distribution in topsoil and assessed their potential ecological risk in the area surrounding a typical manganese mining area in Xiangtan, Hunan Province, China. The concentrations of Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr and Hg in the topsoil of the study area were measured. Except for Cr and Hg, all trace metals exceeded the corresponding soil background values for Hunan Province. The spatial variation in trace metals was visualized by GIS, and the results show that trace metals in topsoil are enriched mainly around mines and smelters. Two groups of trace metals were identified using the spatial distribution, trend analysis, Pearson’s correlation and principal component analysis: Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd and Ni can be attributed to industrial and mining activities, whereas Cr and Hg are of natural origin. The results also revealed the extent of the influence of secondary processes such as the prevailing wind direction, erosion of mine tailings and rainwater runoff play significant roles in the wider dispersal and transfer of trace metals. In addition, the environmental risk of metal pollution was evaluated by applying the geoaccumulation index and potential ecological risk index (PERI) to the study area. The accumulated PERI for metals of concern is at highest risk level in the main manganese mine area. This decreases to a moderate risk around the manganese mine area, highlighting locations for further risk management concern. Furthermore, nearly 80% of the potential ecological risk was from Cd across the study area.
Highlights
Mining activities are regarded as a primary source of trace metals in the environment [1]
This study can provide a valuable reference for the evaluation of trace metals in topsoil in manganese mining areas and other nonferrous metal mining areas that have trace metal pollution issues, and these results can provide an important theoretical basis for the control and remediation of soil pollution
The study area is located in the Xiangtan manganese mining area
Summary
Mining activities are regarded as a primary source of trace metals in the environment [1]. Correlative analyses of trace metal sources, distribution characteristics and ecological risk assessments in manganese mine areas are rare. Kriging interpolation has been used to visualize the spatial distribution of the pollution degree (Igeo ) and ecological risk (PERI) of trace metals in soil to more intuitively analyze the data. This can aid in prioritization of risk management strategies and evaluate the magnitude of intervention needed. It was found that large amounts of manganese and associated trace metals enter the mining area and the surrounding soil from surface runoff, wind-borne transportation and atmospheric sedimentation, which causes serious trace metal pollution in the mining area. This study can provide a valuable reference for the evaluation of trace metals in topsoil in manganese mining areas and other nonferrous metal mining areas that have trace metal pollution issues, and these results can provide an important theoretical basis for the control and remediation of soil pollution
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