Pollution Characteristics and Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in Coal-Bearing Sandstone Soil: A Case Study of Coal Mine Area in Southwest China

Soil pollution in coal mining areas is a serious environmental problem in China and elsewhere. In this study, surface and vertical profile soil samples were collected from a coal mine area in Dazhu, Southwestern China. Microscopic observation, concentrations, chemical speciation, statistical analysis, spatial distribution, and risk assessment were used to assess heavy metal pollution. The results show that the weathering of coal-bearing sandstone and mining activities substantially contributed to soil pollution. The concentrations of Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd, Hg, and Pb exceeded their background values. Cd caused the most intense pollution and was associated with heavily–extremely contaminated soils. The residual fraction was dominant for most metals, except Cd and Mn, for which the reducible fraction was dominant (Cd: 55.17%; Mn: 81.16%). Zn, Ni, Cd, and Cu presented similar distribution patterns, and Hg and As also shared similar distribution characteristics. Factor 1 represented anthropogenic and lithologic sources, which were affected by mining activities; Factor 2 represented anthropogenic sources, e.g., fertilizers and traffic pollution; and Factor 3 represented the contribution of metals from soil-forming parent material. More than half of the study area had high pollution risk and was not suitable for vegetable cultivation.