Distribution Characteristics and Present Situation of Heavy Metals in Soil in Different Functional Zones of Zhuzhou

Soil samples were collected from commercial, residential, agricultural and industrial zones in Zhuzhou city, Hunan Province. The concentrations of heavy metals in soils were determined using plasma emission spectrometer and double channel atomic fluorescence spectrometer. And the distribution characteristics of heavy metals in soils were studied in different functional zones. Based on the soil background values, the soil environmental quality and ecological risk were assessed using the single factor index evaluation method, pollution comprehensive index method and inside plum index evaluation method. The results show that the concentrations of heavy metals in soils of Zhuzhou increased with time, which was consistent with the characteristics of industrial and agricultural production in Zhuzhou. It was obvious that the concentrations of heavy metals differed in different functional zones. The concentration of industrial zone was the highest, while agricultural zone was the lowest. Industrial zone was polluted seriously, where As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Zn all exceed the National Soil Environmental Quality Standard. Commercial and residential zones were polluted moderately, where Cd also exceed standard. In the same place of Zhuzhou, the concentration of heavy metals in the upper soil is higher than that in the subsoil. It can be concluded that human activities, especially industrial production are the main reasons for the enrichment of heavy metal elements, thus should strengthen scientific control and governance.