Integrating spatial heterogeneity and speciation dynamics in source apportionment of toxic metal(loid)s at an abandoned hydrometallurgical zinc smelting site.
Hengbo Liu, Xu Cao, Zhiyue Gao, Yi Wu, Yongfang Sa, Qinying Yao, Jianzhou Han, Jinyan Yang, Jiang Hou, Tao Xing
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Zinc hydrometallurgy sites are critical hotspots for combined toxic metal(loid)s (TMs) pollution, yet the integration of spatial heterogeneity and migration dynamics into source apportionment remains underexplored. This study investigated the concentrations, speciation, and spatial distribution of nine TMs (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Zn) in soils at an abandoned zinc smelter in southwest China. Multivariate statistical methods and the Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model were applied to disentangle primary sources and secondary redistribution. Spatial analysis revealed that As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Zn shared similar contamination patterns, concentrated in slag storage and comprehensive recovery areas, whereas Hg and Mn exhibited distinct hotspots near sulfuric acid production and electrolysis zones. Vertical migration was most pronounced for Cd and Zn (> 8 m depth), followed by Hg and Mn (4-8 m), while As, Cu, Pb, and Sb were restricted to 0-4 m due to adsorption in clay-rich layers. Speciation analysis indicated high mobility of Cd and Zn (acid-soluble fraction: 66.96 and 52.10%, respectively), contrasting with reducible Pb and Mn (51.59 and 48.32%) and residual As, Hg, Ni, Sb (60.74-76.64%). The results from PMF model identified aqueous-phase (Cd, Zn, Mn) and solid-phase (As, Cu, Pb, Sb) migration pathways, validated by spatial correlations with topography and functional zones. Aqueous-phase contributions dominated low-lying areas, while solid-phase contributions aligned with elevated regions, reflecting topography-driven redistribution. This study advances source apportionment of TM in soil by unifying spatial heterogeneity, speciation dynamics, and receptor modeling, offering a framework for targeted risk assessment and remediation of industrial sites.
期刊介绍：
Environmental Geochemistry and Health publishes original research papers and review papers across the broad field of environmental geochemistry. Environmental geochemistry and health establishes and explains links between the natural or disturbed chemical composition of the earth’s surface and the health of plants, animals and people.
Beneficial elements regulate or promote enzymatic and hormonal activity whereas other elements may be toxic. Bedrock geochemistry controls the composition of soil and hence that of water and vegetation. Environmental issues, such as pollution, arising from the extraction and use of mineral resources, are discussed. The effects of contaminants introduced into the earth’s geochemical systems are examined. Geochemical surveys of soil, water and plants show how major and trace elements are distributed geographically. Associated epidemiological studies reveal the possibility of causal links between the natural or disturbed geochemical environment and disease. Experimental research illuminates the nature or consequences of natural or disturbed geochemical processes.
The journal particularly welcomes novel research linking environmental geochemistry and health issues on such topics as: heavy metals (including mercury), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and mixed chemicals emitted through human activities, such as uncontrolled recycling of electronic-waste; waste recycling; surface-atmospheric interaction processes (natural and anthropogenic emissions, vertical transport, deposition, and physical-chemical interaction) of gases and aerosols; phytoremediation/restoration of contaminated sites; food contamination and safety; environmental effects of medicines; effects and toxicity of mixed pollutants; speciation of heavy metals/metalloids; effects of mining; disturbed geochemistry from human behavior, natural or man-made hazards; particle and nanoparticle toxicology; risk and the vulnerability of populations, etc.
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