Distribution and Enrichment Regularity of Trace Elements in Meitan Cuiya Tea and Soil

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the migration and distribution characteristics of trace elements in the soil-tea system in the Cuiya tea area of Meitan County, Guizhou Province. Methods: The contents of trace elements (Cd, Fe, La, Mg, Mn, Ni, Se, Pr, Sm, Zn) in tea and soil samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results: The average contents of heavy metals in soil and tea from Meitan County were below the Chinese national standards, while also meeting the criteria for selenium enrichment. Within the soil-tea system, Mn in tea leaves exhibited a significant negative correlation with soil Mn, while Cd showed a significant positive correlation with soil Cd. This pattern was consistent across both the topsoil and subsoil. The tea plants exhibited a high enrichment capacity for Mn, Mg, and Zn, but a low capacity for Sm, Fe, and Cd. Among the studied areas, the enrichment effect was most pronounced in SL, XH, and MJ towns. Conclusions: Significant spatial variations were observed in the concentrations of trace elements in both tea and soil across the Meitan tea area. This study provides a scientific basis for understanding the enrichment and migration of trace elements within the soil-tea system of Meitan County, Guizhou, and for tracing the geographical origin of its tea.