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Updated: Sep 15, 2025

Two-Dimensional Visualization and Quantification of Labile, Inorganic Plant Nutrients and Contaminants in Soil
Published on: September 1, 2020
Characteristics of soil heavy metal content, enrichment, and migration in a typical karst county
Zhaoxin Hu1, Zeyan Wu1, Weiqun Luo1
1Institute of Karst Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Guilin, 541004, China; Pingguo Guangxi, Karst Ecosystem, National Observation and Research Station/ Pingguo Baise, Guangxi Observation and Research Station, Pingguo, 531406, China; Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, Ministry of Natural Resources & Guangxi/ International Research Centre on Karst under the Auspices of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Guilin, 541004, China.
Abstract:
Understanding the characteristics of heavy metal (HM) content, enrichment, and migration in soil is crucial for developing scientifically sound HM prevention strategies in karst regions. High-density grid sampling was conducted in a typical karst county. The HM content was analyzed using statistics and geostatistics. The HM sources in the topsoil were explored through correlation analysis, PCA, hotspot analysis, and APCS-MLR model. Using the HM content in subsoil as background content, the enrichment and migration of HMs in topsoil were assessed. HMs in both topsoil and subsoil exhibited high content. The topsoil inherited the HM distribution patterns from the subsoil. Geological background (lithology) significantly influenced the distribution of HMs in soil, with content in karst (carbonate rock) areas exceeding those in non-karst (non-carbonate rock) areas by more than 1.74 times. Karst and non-karst areas exhibited similar characteristics of enrichment and migration. Natural source contributed over 80 % to Cr, Hg, Ni, and Zn. Nature and mining activity sources contributed to As and Cu over 70 %. Cd exhibited the highest degree of enrichment and migration, establishing it as the priority control metal. The mining of Debao Copper Mine has caused the enrichment of As and Cu in the surrounding soil, necessitating further investigation. This study provided actionable insights for developing soil HM prevention strategies in the study area.
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