Pollution Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Soils around the Yanzhuang Gold Mine Tailings Pond, Pinggu County, Beijing, China

The accumulation of tailings from gold mining and smelting may result in PTE pollution. We investigated contamination a large amalgamated mine pond Pinggu County, Beijing. In November 2017, 30 soil samples were collected around the pond. concentrations pollution degree PTEs sources Sb, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn Hg analyzed. average concentration these elements near (16.24, 28.29, 0.99, 171.04, 263.25, 99.73, 0.72 mg/kg, respectively) higher than their corresponding standard values background study area. geoaccumulation index showed that Pb was moderate, while Sb Cu present non-pollution to moderate EF (38.31), As (4.23), Cd (0.71), (3.68), (21.24), (0.82) (5.29), respectively. environmental risk assessment developed throughout PERI method indicated main pollutants three quantitative indicators (RI, Igeo EF) positively correlated, all them had significant local Thus, should be highly concerning. Multivariate statistical analysis shows mainly caused by ponds after smelting. research is great significance for prevention control