Characteristics and risk assessment of heavy metal pollution of farmlands and crops near Pb–Zn mine tailing ponds: a case study in Niujiaotang, China

Abstract

To accurately evaluate the pollution and risk of heavy metals in crops and farmlands near mines, we determined the contents of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in 10 farmland soil sampling sites and six crops (pak choi, rice, spring onion, radish, Chinese cabbage, Chrysanthemum coronarium) in an area near the Niujiaotang Pb–Zn mine in Duyun City, China. Four evaluation methods were compared, including the potential ecological hazard index, Nemeiro comprehensive pollution assessment, risk assessment code, and the ratio of secondary phase to primary phase methods. The average concentration of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn exceeded the soil environmental background levels in Niujiaotang and Guizhou Province. Cd exceeded the standard substantially, and Zn pollution accumulation was the most evident. Heavy metal contamination of crops was in the order pak choi > Chinese cabbage > spring onion > paddy > radish > Chrysanthemum coronarium, whereas heavy metal concentration in soils were in the order Zn > As > Cr > Cd > Ni > Pb. The levels of all heavy metals except Cu exceeded Chinese food hygiene standards. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic chemicals in crops present significant risks to adults and children. Risk evaluation considering the morphological contents of heavy metals rather than their total concentration was more accurate for environmental quality assessment of agricultural soils.