Identification of Soil Heavy Metal Sources in a Large-Scale Area Affected by Industry

Heavy metals (HMs) in soil are some of the most serious pollutants due to their toxicity and nonbiodegradability. Especially across large-scale areas affected by industry, complexity pollution sources has attracted extensive attention. In this study, an approach based on zoning analyze heavy was proposed. Qualitative identification quantification contributions key approaches prevention control metal pollution. The concentrations five HMs (Cd, Hg, As, Pb Cr) surface Chenzhou industrial impact area were research objects. Multiple methods used for source identification, including positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis combined with multiple other analyses, random forest modeling, geo-accumulation index method hot spot analysis. results showed that average 9.46, 2.36, 2.22, 3.27 1.05 times background values Hunan soil, respectively. Cd associated moderately strongly polluted conditions, As unpolluted conditions Cr practically conditions. mining industry significant anthropogenic factor affecting content Cd, whole area, contribution rates 87.7%, 88.5% 62.5%, respectively, main influence within 5 km from site. addition, we conducted polluting enterprises identified spots, cold insignificantly enterprises, information as basis treatment discussed three subregions. originated mainly agricultural activities, a rate 63.6%, zone 3. sewage irrigation, 65.0%, 2, 800 m river. This element parent materials, 69.7%, traffic emissions, 72.8%, 3, 500 trunk line. Hg derived materials 92.1% 1, activities 77.5% mixture natural 74.2% 90.7%. study areas, can become more accurate detailed incorporating regional treatment, reasonable suggestions be provided enterprise management decision making.