Mapping of Cu and Pb Contaminations in Soil Using Combined Geochemistry, Topography, and Remote Sensing: A Case Study in the Le’an River Floodplain, China

Yiyun Chen, Yaolin Liu, Yanfang Liu, Aiwen Lin, Xuesong Kong, Dianfeng Liu, Xiran Li, Yang Zhang, Yin Gao and Dun Wang
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Yiyun Chen: School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 129, Wuhan 430079, China
Yaolin Liu: School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 129, Wuhan 430079, China
Yanfang Liu: School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 129, Wuhan 430079, China
Aiwen Lin: School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 129, Wuhan 430079, China
Xuesong Kong: School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 129, Wuhan 430079, China
Dianfeng Liu: School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 129, Wuhan 430079, China
Xiran Li: School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 129, Wuhan 430079, China
Yang Zhang: School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 129, Wuhan 430079, China
Yin Gao: School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 129, Wuhan 430079, China
Dun Wang: School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 129, Wuhan 430079, China

IJERPH, 2012, vol. 9, issue 5, 1-13

Abstract: Heavy metal pollution in soil is becoming a widely concerning environmental problem in China. The aim of this study is to integrate multiple sources of data, namely total Cu and Pb contents, digital elevation model (DEM) data, remote sensing image and interpreted land-use data, for mapping the spatial distribution of total Cu and Pb contamination in top soil along the Le’an River and its branches. Combined with geographical analyses and watershed delineation, the source and transportation route of pollutants are identified. Regions at high risk of Cu or Pb pollution are suggested. Results reveal that topography is the major factor that controls the spatial distribution of Cu and Pb. Watershed delineation shows evidence that the streamflow resulting from rainfall is the major carrier of metal pollutants.

Keywords: soil; heavy metal; contamination; digital elevation model; mapping (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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