Heavy Metal Concentrations in Gray Calcareous Soils of Baiyin Region,Gansu Province,P.R. China

Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper(Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and nickel(Ni) were measured in cultivated gray calcareous soilscollected in the two basins of Baiyin urban area. Thevalues revealed fluctuating and enriched Cd, Pb, Cuand Zn concentrations in the cultivated soils,suggesting recent inputs from anthropogenic sources.There also existed differences between these twodrainage areas, indicating the characteristics ofpollution sources differed. Concentrations of Cd, Pband to a lesser extent Cu and Zn were higher in thisregion as compared with the micrometal backgroundvalues in gray calcareous soil, which may beattributed to the proximity of these soil sites tocontaminated streams, or to the utilization offarmyard manure or fertilizers. Comparison of obtainedmetal concentration levels with other areas in theworld revealed elevated values for Cd and Pb, showinga considerable amount of pollution in the area.Continuous monitoring and further studies of the areaare recommended to ascertain long-term effect that mayhave not yet been reached and to prevent pollution offarmland from worsening.