Characteristics and Assessment of Soil Heavy Metals Pollution in the Xiaohe River Irrigation Area of the Loess Plateau, China

Heavy metals in soil are a potential threat to ecosystems and human well−being. Understanding the characteristics of heavy metal pollution prediction ecological risk crucial for regional eco−environment agricultural development, especially irrigation areas. In this study, Xiaohe River Irrigation Area Loess Plateau was taken as study area, concentration, well their accumulation degree distribution metals, were explored based on geo−accumulation index (Igeo) Hakanson methods. The results showed that concentrations all lower than second grade Environmental Quality Standard Soils China. However, average Cu, Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni As higher above−mentioned standard. Compared with background values Shanxi Province, eight samples presented different degrees, highest followed by 11.3 4.0 times more value, respectively. Spatially, area quite different, generating diverse patterns significant differences complex transportation routes. content highly affected land use types. varied distance an urban declining from suburban farmland, outer farmland. Among these Hg Cd principal contamination elements, transportation, service industry activities main sources. positioned follows: > Pb Zn Cu Cr. indicated strategies, except Wangwu examining site, other six sampling sites experienced extremely strong risks, whole, entire region condition incredibly impressive perils. Consequently, suggest improving environmental investigation assessment, setting up prevention control innovation framework reinforcing source effective approaches anticipation irrigated areas Plateau.