农田土壤重金属淋洗剂筛选与效应分析

为分析不同淋洗剂在不同淋洗条件下对重金属淋洗效果的影响,采用振荡淋洗法对比研究4种淋洗剂(柠檬酸(CA)、酒石酸(TA)、乙二胺四乙酸二钠盐(EDTA)和氨三乙酸三钠盐(NTA))不同浓度、淋洗时间、pH和固液比对重金属复合污染农田土壤中Pb、Cd、Cu和Zn的淋洗效果及单因素最佳淋洗条件下土壤淋洗前后重金属不同形态含量的变化。结果表明,CA和TA的最佳淋洗浓度为0.3mol/L,EDTA和NTA为0.05mol/L;CA和NTA的最佳淋洗时间为480min,EDTA和TA为720min;4种淋洗剂的最佳淋洗pH均为3,最佳固液比均为1∶20。单因素最佳淋洗条件下,EDTA对土壤重金属去除效果最佳,对Pb、Cd、Zn和Cu的去除率分别为67.4%,61.0%,13.8%和76.0%;NTA效果次之,去除率分别为41.6%,42.4%,9.9%和54.3%。土壤重金属去除率随淋洗剂pH的降低而升高,随固液比的增加而增加,随淋洗剂CA与TA浓度增大而增大。淋洗剂对土壤重金属的解吸动力学曲线符合准二级动力学模型,解吸过程为化学解吸,且解吸反应速率受土壤重金属含量与淋洗剂浓度控制。土壤重金属在淋洗剂作用下的解吸速率为Cd>Pb≈Zn≈Cu。EDTA和NTA淋洗显著降低土壤中Pb、Cd、Zn和Cu铁锰氧化态和有机结合态的含量,CA和TA显著降低Pb、Cd、Zn和Cu铁锰氧化态的含量。淋洗剂对重金属的去除效率为EDTA>NTA>CA>TA。     

淋洗法修复铬渣污染场地实验研究

铬渣污染场地已经列为我国土壤污染重点治理对象,急需修复铬渣污染土壤的关键技术。本文通过室内模拟实验,采用振荡淋洗的方法研究了水、EDTA、EDDS、柠檬酸、草酸、盐酸、磷酸、环糊精和十二烷基苯磺酸钠等淋洗剂对铬渣污染场地Cr的淋洗效果,探讨了淋洗剂浓度、淋洗时间、土水比、淋洗次数等对淋洗效果的影响,并研究了不同淋洗剂复合对Cr的淋洗效果以及不同浓度柠檬酸淋洗前后重金属形态的变化。结果表明：水、EDTA、EDDS、环糊精和十二烷基苯磺酸钠对Cr的去除率较低,柠檬酸在浓度为0.5mol·L-1、土水比1：20、反应时间为24h、淋洗次数为2次的条件下可以达到最佳淋洗效果,Cr的去除率可达到82.8%;SDBS、EDTA与柠檬酸单独组合顺序或者混合淋洗,都没有增加柠檬酸对Cr的去除率。重金属形态分析表明,柠檬酸淋洗有效地改变了Cr的形态从而达到较高的修复效果。当柠檬酸浓度小于0.25mol·L-1时,对铬的去除主要以C（rⅥ）为主;当柠檬酸浓度大于0.25mol·L-1时,对铬的去除主要以C（rⅢ）为主。本文的研究结果为异位淋洗修复铬渣污染土壤提供理论依据。     

重金属高污染农田土壤EDTA淋洗条件初探

通过室内振荡淋洗试验研究了乙二胺四乙酸二钠(EDTA)浓度、淋洗时间、液固比、淋洗次数对甘肃省白银市某高污染农田土壤中重金属去除效果的影响,并测定了EDTA淋洗前后土壤中重金属形态的变化。结果表明：淋洗剂浓度和液固比越高、淋洗时间越长、淋洗次数越多,对重金属的去除效果越好。在EDTA浓度为5 mmol/L、液固比为2.5、连续振荡淋洗3次、每次1 h时,对土壤中Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn 4种重金属的总去除率分别为 55.2%、21.9%、19.3% 和20.9%,其中Cd 淋洗效率最高。EDTA对土壤中交换态、碳酸盐结合态和铁锰氧化物结合态重金属的去除效果明显,但不能有效去除有机及硫化物态和残余态土壤重金属。     

混合试剂在不同电解质条件下对土壤重金属淋洗效果的影响

为了得出不同电解质(CaCl2和KCl)对混合试剂(EDTA和柠檬酸)去除土壤重金属的影响,对重金属污染土壤进行盆栽淋洗实验.结果表明,含电解质CaC12的混合试剂有利于去除酸性污染土壤中重金属;而含KC1的混合试剂有利于去除中性污染土壤中重金属.含电解质CaC12和KC1混合试剂[EDTA-+-CA+ 1/2(CaC12+KCl)]对土壤重金属的淋洗效果不明显;但电解质用量的增加(如EDTA+ CA+ CaCl2+KCl)提高了酸性土壤中Cd、Zn、Pb和Cu的去除率,提高幅度分别达22％,16％,18％和9％.Cd和Zn污染的酸性土壤,可用CA+ CaCl2+KCl混合试剂淋洗;但Pb和Cu的去除还要靠EDTA.中性重金属污染土壤可采用EDTA+ CaCl2+ KCl混合试剂淋洗.     

茶皂素对潮土重金属污染的淋洗修复作用

为了探讨茶皂素淋洗修复土壤重金属污染的可行性,该文采用振荡提取和土柱淋洗的方法,研究了茶皂素对污染土壤中重金属的去除作用。结果表明,茶皂素溶液的浓度和土壤的pH值对重金属去除率有明显影响。土柱淋洗试验中,采用质量分数7%茶皂素溶液作淋洗液,pH 5.0±0.1、土液质量体积比1：4为最佳淋洗修复条件,此时,Pb、Cd、Zn、Cu的去除率分别为6.74%、42.38%、13.07%、8.75%,去除率的大小顺序为Cd＞Zn＞Cu＞Pb。茶皂素淋洗能有效去除酸溶态和可还原态的重金属,从而大大降低了重金属的环境风险,同时说明茶皂素用于土壤重金属污染淋洗修复有较大潜力。     

不同pH值混合螯合剂对土壤重金属淋洗及植物提取的影响

为了得出混合螯合剂（MC）淋洗去除重金属的最佳pH值以及对后续植物提取重金属的影响,用Ca(OH)2将pH值为2.75的MC提高至pH值5、7和9,对重金属污染土壤进行了盆栽淋洗试验,而后种植东南景天（Sedum Alfredii）,测定淋出液及植物重金属含量。另外,通过浸提试验研究了含有不同阳离子的MC对重金属淋洗效果的影响。结果表明,pH值为5和7的MC显著提高了Cd、Pb和Cu的淋出率。与Na+、K+离子相比,Ca2+的存在能够提高MC对重金属的淋洗去除。pH值7和9的MC淋洗土壤后提高了东南景天的生物量,但是降低东南景天中Cd和Zn的浓度,导致其植物提取率低于无淋洗剂对照。在化学淋洗+植物提取联合技术中,Cd和Zn主要靠植物提取去除,植物提取率分别可达土壤Cd的30%～40%和土壤Zn的6.5%～6.9%;而Pb和Cu主要靠混合螯合剂淋洗去除,去除率分别为2.3%～2.6%和1.6%～2.0%。综合来说,如果需要同时去除Cd、Zn、Pb和Cu,降低土壤重金属有效态含量,用pH值9的MC淋洗土壤联合植物提取较为合适。     

酶强化茶皂素修复重金属污染土壤的研究

以多种重金属污染的土壤为材料,研究了生物酶、茶皂素和两者组合等处理方式对重金属的去除效果。结果表明:酶和茶皂素对土壤中重金属有良好的去除效果,起到协同、互补作用。采用响应面法优化反应条件,得到p H值4.0、反应温度35℃、茶皂素溶液和酶溶液配比3∶1的最佳淋洗修复条件,此时Cd、Cr、Cu、Ni、Zn去除率分别为88.87%、81.64%、43.33%、47.16%、62.03%,去除率的大小顺序为CdCrZnNiCu。酶与茶皂素组合淋洗液能有效去除酸提取态、可还原态和可氧化态的重金属,表明组合液在重金属污染土壤修复方面具有较好的应用前景。     

新乡市大棚菜田土壤重金属积累特征及污染评价

采用微波消解-ICP-AES技术,测定不同种植年限大棚菜田土壤样品中As、Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr、Mn、Ni、Cu等重金属的含量,研究不同种植年限与大棚菜田土壤重金属累积的相关性以及大棚菜田土壤重金属累积特征,并利用地积累指数法进行污染评价。结果表明:大棚菜田土壤重金属Zn、Pb、Ni、Mn和Cu的含量与种植年限具有极显著相关性;大棚菜田土壤中重金属Cd和Cr的含量与种植年限不相关。重金属元素间相关性分析表明,Zn与Pb、Cd、Ni、Mn、Cr、Cu,Pb与Cd、Ni、Mn、Cr、Cu,Cd与Ni、Mn、Cr,Ni与Mn、Cr、Cu,Mn与Cr、Cu具有污染同源性,Cu与Cd、Cr不具有污染同源性。地积累指数法污染评价结果显示Cd的污染等级达到了6级,已构成了极严重污染;Zn和Cu的污染等级达到2级,已构成了中度污染;Pb、Mn的污染等级达到1级,已经构成了轻~中度污染;As、Ni、Cr均未构成污染。     

EDTA和柠檬酸对污染土壤中重金属的解吸动力学及其形态的影响

利用批处理振荡解吸平衡法研究了0.05 mol/L的乙二胺四乙酸钠(EDTA)和柠檬酸对污染土壤中Cd,Pb,Cu,Zn的解吸动力学特征,并采用优化的BIER(European Community Bureau of Reference)连续提取法分析了EDTA和柠檬酸处理前后土壤中重金属形态和生物有效性的变化.结果表明,污染土壤中重金属Cd,Pb,Cu,Zn的解吸率随着解吸时间的延长而不断增加,但解吸速率随解吸时间的延长而不断降低.EDTA对Pb,Cu的解吸能力显著大于柠檬酸,柠檬酸对Zn的解吸能力显著大于EDTA,柠檬酸和EDTA对Cd的解吸能力相差不大.EDTA和柠檬酸对4种重金属解吸能力的顺序分别为:Pb＞Cd＞Zn＞Cu和CA＞Zn＞Pb＞Cu.双常数方程是描述污染土壤中Cd,Pb,Cu,Zn解吸动力学过程的最佳方程.EDTA去除的重金属主要以酸提取态和可还原态存在,柠檬酸去除的重金属主要以酸提取态存在.EDTA和柠檬酸处理后.污染土壤中Cd,Pb,Cu,Zn的生物有效性降低.     

化工厂遗留地铬污染土壤化学淋洗修复研究

选取了济南市某铬渣堆放场地表土壤为实验目标,采用振荡淋洗法研究了水、EDTA、柠檬酸、盐酸、Ca Cl2、Na OH和磷酸等淋洗剂对铬污染场地铬污染物的淋洗效果,并从中筛选出最佳淋洗剂,探讨了淋洗剂浓度、土液质量比、振荡淋洗时间、淋洗液p H等对淋洗条件的影响。结果显示,选取的土壤样品均超过国家土壤标准,钛白生产车间土样污染程度最轻,北部厂区污染最重,最高铬污染物含量达到7 149 mg kg-1;土壤活性指数I显示,万吨铬盐生产车间土壤的活性指数最高达到0.291 8,铬盐生产车间活性指数最低;水、盐酸、柠檬酸、Ca Cl2、Na OH、磷酸等对总铬的去除率比较低,EDTA的淋洗效果最佳;EDTA的最佳淋洗浓度为0.1 mol L-1;最适土液质量比为1∶10;最适振荡淋洗时间为1 h;最适淋洗液p H为5;所有淋洗试验最高去除率为p H 10时,北部厂区样品在0.1 mol L-1EDTA淋洗液,土液质量比为1∶10,振荡淋洗时间1 h取得,总铬的去除率可达到22%,Cr6+去除率可达到98.5%。     

长城塬全新世黄土剖面重金属元素揭示的成壤环境变化

通过广泛的野外考察,选择宁夏自治区长城塬全新世黄土土壤剖面进行了系统采样以及化学元素、磁化率、和粒度等多指标的测定。结果表明:(1)重金属元素Mn,Zn,Ni,Cu,V和Cr的含量变化趋势与磁化率、烧失量和黏粒含量变化趋势呈正相关关系,而它们与CaCO₃和粗粉沙含量变化趋势呈负相关关系。这些重金属元素的含量在全新世中期古土壤层(S₀)中呈现高值,在各黄土层(L₁,L_t,L₀)中呈现低值。这表明风化成壤过程中,这些元素的含量变化受到全新世以来季风气候变化和成壤作用的影响。(2)重金属元素Pb含量变化趋势与上述元素的含量变化趋势相比差异较大。Pb的含量变化趋势与磁化率变化趋势无明显相关性,Pb的含量变化趋势与黏粒和烧失量变化趋势呈负相关关系,而与粗粉沙含量变化趋势呈正相关关系。Pb的含量在全新世早期过渡性黄土层(L_t)呈现最低值,在全新世中期古土壤层(S₀)、近代黄土层(L₀)和现代表土层(TS)相对较高,并与晚更新世马兰黄土层(L₁)相当,表明Pb主要包含在粗颗粒和重矿物之中,其化学性质比较稳定,具有强抗风化性,很少受到风化成壤作用的影响。     

The transfer of heavy metals to barley plants from soils amended with sewage sludge with different heavy metal burdens

Purpose

Our main aim objective was to evaluate the transfer of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn to barley (Hordeum vulgare) grown in various soils previously amended with two sewage sludges containing different concentrations of heavy metals. This allowed us to examine the transfer of heavv metals to barley roots and shoots and the occurrence of restriction mechanisms as function of soil type and for different heavy metal concentration scenarios.

Material and methods

A greenhouse experiment was performed to evaluate the transfer of heavy metals to barley grown in 36 agricultural soils from different parts of Spain previously amended with a single dose (equivalent to 50 t dry weight ha^?1) of two sewage sludges with contrasting levels of heavy metals (common and spiked sludge: CS and SS).

Results and discussion

In soils amended with CS, heavy metals were transferred to roots in the order (mean values of the bio-concentration ratio in roots, BCF_Roots, in brackets): Cu (2.4)?~?Ni (2.3)?>?Cd (2.1)?>?Zn (1.8)?>?Cr (0.7)?~?Pb (0.6); similar values were found for the soils amended with SS. The mean values of the soil-to-shoot ratio were: Cd (0.44)?~?Zn (0.39)?~?Cu (0.39)?>?Cr (0.20)?>?Ni (0.09)?>?Pb (0.01) for CS-amended soils; Zn (0.24)?>?Cu (0.15)?~?Cd (0.14)?>?Ni (0.05)?~?Cr (0.03)?>?Pb (0.006) for SS-amended soils. Heavy metals were transferred from roots to shoots in the following order (mean values of the ratio concentration of heavy metals in shoots to roots in brackets): Cr (0.33)?>?Zn (0.24)?~?Cd (0.22)?>?Cu (0.19)?>?Ni (0.04)?>?Pb (0.02) for CS-amended soils; Zn (0.14)?>?Cd (0.09)?~?Cu (0.08)?>?Cr (0.05)?>?Ni (0.02)?~?Pb (0.010) for SS-amended soils.

Conclusions

Soils weakly restricted the mobility of heavy metals to roots, plant physiology restricted the transfer of heavy metals from roots to shoots, observing further restriction at high heavy metal loadings, and the transfer of Cd, Cu and Zn from soils to shoots was greater than for Cr, Ni and Pb. Stepwise multiple linear regressions revealed that soils with high sand content allowed greater soil-plant transfer of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn. For Cd and Ni, soils with low pH and soil organic C, respectively, posed the highest risk.     

Heavy Metals in Freshly Deposited Stream Sediments of Rivers Associated with Urbanisation of the Ganga Plain,India

Freshly deposited stream sediments from six urban centres of the Ganga Plain were collected and analysed for heavy metals to obtain a general scenery of sediment quality. The concentrations of heavy metals varied within a wide range for Cr (115–817), Mn (440–1 750), Fe (28 700–61 100), Co (11.7–29.0), Ni (35–538), Cu (33–1 204), Zn (90–1 974), Pb (14–856) and Cd (0.14–114.8) in mg kg^-1. Metal enrichment factors for the stream sediments were <1.5 for Mn, Fe and Co; 1.5–4.1 for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb; and 34 for Cd. The anthropogenic source in metals concentrations contributes to 59% Cr, 49% Cu, 52% Zn, 51% Pb and 77% Cd. High positive correlation between concentrations of Cr/Ni, Cr/Cu, Cr/Zn, Ni/Zn, Ni/Cu, Cu/Zn, Cu/Cd, Cu/Pb, Fe/Co, Mn/Co, Zn/Cd, Zn/Pb and Cd/Pb indicate either their common urban origin or their common sink in the stream sediments. The binding capacity of selected metals to sediment carbon and sulphur decreases in order of Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni and Cu > Zn > Cr > Ni, respectively. Stream sediments from Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi and Agra urban centres have been classified by the proposed Sediment Pollution Index as highly polluted to dangerous sediments. Heavy metal analysis in the <20-μm-fraction of stream sediments appears to be an adequate method for the environmental assessment of urbanisation activities on alluvial rivers. The present study reveals that urban centres act as sources of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd and cause metallic sediment pollution in rivers of the Ganga Plain.     

龙游硫铁矿区农田土壤重金属污染的空间 变异及在水稻中的积累

为了解浙江龙游硫铁矿区农田重金属污染状况,采集矿区265件农田土壤样品,分析8种重金属Cu、As、Hg、Zn、Cd、Ni、Pb、Cr元素全量,利用地统计学软件GS+9.0对研究区土壤各元素指标进行半变异函数拟合,并利用普通克里格法进行插值并绘制空间分布图。采集30件水稻籽粒样品,分析重金属在研究区中水稻籽粒的累积特征,并进行了健康风险评价。结果表明:矿区土壤中8种重金属元素的变异系数从0.72到1.76,离散程度较高。8种重金属的土壤空间半变异函数Cu、As、Hg元素符合指数模型,Zn、Cd、Ni、Pb符合球状模型,Cr符合高斯模型。元素Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr、Ni的块金值与基台值的比值C0/C0+C都小于0.25,说明空间变化主要受地质背景等因素影响;元素Cd、Hg和As的块金值与基台值的比值C0/C0+C在0.25~0.75之间,说明除了地质背景因素,人为活动等随机因素也有影响。矿区水稻籽粒中重金属Ni和Cd的变异系数最高,分别为0.95和0.87,说明Ni和Cd元素可能存在异常积累。矿区水稻籽粒对重金属的富集能力由大到小依次为Cd、Zn、Cu、Ni、As、Hg、Cr、Pb。健康风险评价结果表明矿区农田水稻籽粒中元素As、Cd的风险商大于1,存在潜在健康风险;而其他6种重金属Cu、Hg、Zn、Ni、Pb和Cr基本属于安全范围。     

Digestion Methods for Total Heavy Metals in Sediments and Soils

The objectives of this study were to analyze the total contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the freshwater sediments and the arable and non-arable soils of Taiwan, and to compare the different digestion methods for their determination. Two hundred and thirty-nine freshwater sediments were collected from the Fei-Tsui Reservoir Watershed (FTRW) in northern Taiwan. Forty-two surface (0–15 cm) and subsurface (15–30 cm) soil samples were likewise collected from 21 representative arable soils derived from various parent materials and with varying weathered degrees in different regions of Taiwan. In addition, one hundred and ninety-four non-arable soils were collected from the different forest regions, industrial parks, resident areas, and commercial areas. Several digestion methods including the aquaregia and different combinations of concentrated acids (HClO₄, HNO₃, H₂SO₄, or HF) were compared. All samples were digested both by the aqua regia method and the Baker and Amacher method for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The Reisenauer method was used for Cr and the Burau method for Pb further. The results indicate that the best digestion methods to analyze the total contents of heavy metals in the sediments and soils were recommended as follows: the Baker and Amacher method for Cd, Cr,Cu, Ni, and Zn; the Reisenauer method for Cr, but for simplicity the Baker and Amacher method is also recommended as the flexible method for the total analysis of Cr; the aqua regia method for Cu, Ni, and Zn; and the Burau method for Pb.     

Influence of pH on the release and chemical fractionation of heavy metals in sediment from a suburban drainage stream in an arid mine-based oasis

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to explore the influences of pH on the release of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr in sediments derived from the upstream, middle, and downstream reaches of Dongdagou stream in Gansu Province, Northwest China, and to examine the fractionation changes of heavy metals in the sediments after reaching their release equilibrium under different pH conditions.

Materials and methods

Sediment samples were obtained using a stainless steel grab sampler to collect the uppermost 10 cm of sediment from the channel bed. The pH-dependent release experiment was conducted in the solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20 at different pH values (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12) at room temperature. The total Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr concentrations in the sediments were digested using an acid digestion mixture (HNO₃ + HF + HClO₄) in an open system. Metal fractionation of selected sediments was obtained using the Tessier sequential extraction procedure. Heavy metal concentrations in the samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results and discussion

The mean concentrations of heavy metals in sediments decreased in the following order: Zn (1676.67 mg kg^?1) > Pb (528.65 mg kg^?1) > Cu (391.34 mg kg^?1) > Cr (53.48 mg kg^?1) > Ni (34.27 mg kg^?1) > Cd (11.53 mg kg^?1). Overall, the solubility of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni decreased with increasing pH, and they were strongly released at pH 2. Moreover, the solubility of Cr increased with increasing pH, and its release was highest at pH 12. After reaching the release equilibrium of heavy metals under different pH conditions, the percentages of organic Cu, Zn, Cd, and Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide Pb decreased, compared to their initial fractions. The residual fractions of Ni and Cr were dominant, regardless of pH.

Conclusions

The average concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in sediments were highly elevated compared with the soil background values in Gansu Province, China. The results of this pH-dependent release experiment showed that the release behaviors of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr followed an asymmetric V-shaped pattern, whereas Cd and Ni followed an irregular L-shaped pattern. The changes in the release of heavy metals in sediments were related to their redistribution between chemical fractionations.

     

Evaluation of Different Extraction Methods for the Assessment of Heavy Metal Bioavailability in Various Soils

The main objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different methods (heavy metals in pore water (PW), diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extraction, and total heavy metals (THM) in soil) for the assessment of heavy metal bioavailability from soils having various properties and heavy metal contents. The effect of soil heavy metal pollution on shoot yield and sulfatase enzyme activity was also studied. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) was grown in different soils from Spain (n?=?10) and New Zealand (n?=?20) in a constant environment room for 25 days. The bioavailabilities of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were assessed by comparing the metal contents extracted by the different methods with those found in the roots. The most widely applicable method was DGT, as satisfactory Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn root concentrations were obtained, and it was able to distinguish between low and high Cr values. The analysis of the metal concentrations in PW was effective for the determination of Cr, Ni, and Zn content in root. Copper and Pb root concentrations were satisfactorily assessed by DTPA extraction, but the method was less successful with determining the Ni and Cr contents and suitable just to distinguish between high and low concentrations of Zn. The THM in soil method satisfactorily predicted Cu and Pb root concentrations but could only be used to distinguish between low and high Cr and Zn values. The Cd root concentration was not successfully predicted for any of the used methods. Neither shoot yield nor sulfatase enzyme activity was affected by the metal concentrations.     

Multivariate geostatistical analysis of heavy metals in topsoils from Beijing,China

Background  Regional soil environmental quality is a hotspot and difficulty in the environmental sciences for the spatial variability of pollutants and the relationship between them. Beijing, the capital of China, has been undergoing a rapid economical development during the past three decades, and thus might encounter the same issues as the developed countries. However, there is little information about the soil environmental quality of Beijing, especially at the regional scale. The real soil environmental situation of heavy metals remains unknown, even less the sources of possible pollutants. Objectives  The main objectives were to identify the spatial variability and main sources of heavy metals in Beijing soils by conducting multivariate statistical analyses, including geostatistical analysis assisted with GIS tools. These results will contribute to the establishment of the soil quality baseline and the management of regional environment. Materials and Methods  Seven hundred and seventy-three samples of topsoils (0–20 cm) were collected from all over Beijing, China. The samples were digested with HNO₃ and H₂O₂. The concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were analyzed with a FL-AAS and those of Cd with a GF-AAS. The concentrations of As were determined with AFS-2202. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial correlation analysis (CA) were used and geostatistics was conducted for the data processing. Results  Concentrations of topsoil As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the Beijing area were measured and contour maps were constructed to describe the metals’ spatial distribution. Except for the background effect of the soils, anthropogenic factors made the soil heavy metal concentrations increase, especially in the center of the city. Combined with the PCA results, it was found that vehicle exhaust and smelters were the main sources of soil heavy metals. Pedogenic factors were also controlling the spatial features of metals. Discussion  Combined with the results of PCA, 7 heavy metals could be divided into 4 factors. F1 was the metals, i.e., Cu, Pb, Zn, mainly controlled by the human activities. Cr and Ni was in F2, Cd in F3 and As in F4. These 3 factors might be controlled by the soil parent materials. Concentrations of 7 heavy metals were comparable with the first level of environmental quality standard for soils of China and much lower than the second level of national standard for soils. Conclusion  The heavy metal concentrations in the topsoil of Beijing are mostly comparable with the background values, especially for As, Cr and Ni. In the city center of Beijing, Cu, Pb and Zn had a high concentration of distribution. The spatial features of As, Cr and Ni are mainly controlled by pedogenic factors, whereas Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn are controlled by anthropogenic and parent factors. Traffic and smelting contribute greatly to the increase of Pb, Zn and Cu in the soil, especially in the center of the city. Landfill may have also affected the soil quality around it. Recommendation  Different factors were controlled by parent materials, which might be related to the different soil minerals. Further research should be conducted in Beijing to elucidate the relationship between heavy metals and soil minerals. ESS-Submission Editor: Chengron Chen, PhD (c.chen@griffith.edu.au)     

Copper,Chromium, Nickel,Lead and Zinc Levels and Pollution Degree in Firing Range Soils

Small‐arms firing ranges are an important source of metal contaminants in the ecosystems located near these facilities, owing to the constant fall and alteration of the ammunition remnants on the soil, particularly in nearby berms. The objectives of this study were to analyse the pollution of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in rifle/pistol shooting range soils, to estimate their availability and to evaluate the influence of the ammunition used. The concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni range from 55 to 6·309, 34 to 264, 19 to 98, 40 to 79 and 11 to 33 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The moderate acidity and organic matter content favour the availability of Pb, followed by Cu > Zn > Ni > Cr. The values of different contamination indexes (I_geo, pollution index and integrated pollution index) suggest that Pb soil contamination is moderate to heavy, especially in the berm area and moderate for Cu and Zn. Lead ammunition is the main source of pollution, but another one was identified owing to the concentrations of Fe, Cr and Ni detected. Further studies are needed to verify their long‐term potential adverse effects. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.