Spatial distribution and ecological risk assessment of trace metals in urban soils in Wuhan, central China

Abstract

Surface soil samples from 467 sample sites were collected in urban area of Wuhan City in 2013, and total concentrations of five trace metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Cd) were measured. Multivariate and geostatistical analyses showed that concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cu are higher along Yangtze River in the northern area of Wuhan, gradually decrease from city center to suburbs, and are mainly controlled by anthropogenic activities, while those of Cr and Cd are relatively spatially homogenous and mainly controlled by soil parent materials. Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd have generally higher concentrations in roadsides, industrial areas, and residential areas than in school areas, greenbelts, and agricultural areas. Areas with higher road and population densities and longer urban construction history usually have higher trace metal concentrations. According to estimated results of the potential ecological risk index and Nemero synthesis pollution index, almost the whole urban area of Wuhan is facing considerable potential ecological risk caused by soil trace metals. These results reveal obvious trends of trace metal pollution, and an important impact of anthropogenic activities on the accumulation of trace metals in soil in Wuhan. Vehicular emission, industrial activities, and household wastes may be the three main sources for trace metal accumulation. Increasing vegetation cover may reduce this threat. It should be pointed out that Cd, which is strongly accumulated in soil, could be the largest soil pollution factor in Wuhan. Effective measures should be taken as soon as possible to deal with Cd enrichment, and other trace metals in soil should also be reduced, so as to protect human health in this important large city.

Geochemical, Mineralogical and Morphological Characterisation of Road Dust and Associated Health Risks

“…Higher concentrations of these elements were found in samples from the suburban location, indicating the contribution of the surrounding agricultural environment to road dust. The median concentrations of lead, chromium and copper in samples of urban streets, particularly in F1 fraction, were similar to those of other studies (e.g., Thessaloniki [41], Shiraz [42], Urumqi and Zhuzhou [43]). Lead, chromium and copper concentrations in the ranges 48-375, 2.0-498 and 47-995 mg kg −1 , respectively, have been reported for street dusts of different cities on various continents [44], and references therein.…”

A Rapid, Accurate, and Efficient Method to Map Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils of Abandoned Mine Sites Using Converted Portable XRF Data and GIS

“…Enriched PTEs in soil not only cause soil contamination but influence human health via the food chain [1,2,3,4,5]. To minimize the risk that arises from the high level of PTEs in soil, an examination of the extent and the level of contamination based on environmental assessment and monitoring is an important first step towards appropriate remediation [6,7].…”

Analysing trade-offs and synergies between SDGs for urban development, food security and poverty alleviation in rapidly changing peri-urban areas: a tool to support inclusive urban planning

“…One of the implications of this is that intensive vegetable cultivation is often located near to industrial areas on the periphery of the city (such as the Qingshan site in Wuhan where intensive vegetable production is surrounded by steel and oil industries, factories and a power station) which present potential contamination risks to food production (Agrawal et al 2003;Hu et al 2014;Si and Scott 2016;Singh et al 2010;Zhang et al 2015).…”