title: Assessment and source identification of trace metals in the soils of greenhouse vegetable production in eastern China.
abstract: Worldwide concern about the occurrence of trace metals in greenhouse vegetable production soils (GVPS) is growing. In this study, a total of 385 surface GVPS samples were collected in Shouguang and four vegetable production bases in Nanjing, Eastern China, for the determination of As and Hg using atomic fluorescence spectrometry and Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Geo-accumulation indices and factor analysis were used to investigate the accumulation and sources of the trace metals in soils in Eastern China. The results revealed that greenhouse production practices increased accumulation of the trace metals, particularly Cd, Zn, and Cu in soils and their accumulation became significant with increasing years of cultivation. Accumulation of Cd and Zn was also found in soils from organic greenhouses. The GVPS was generally less polluted or moderately polluted by As, Cu, Zn, and Pb but heavily polluted by Cd and Hg in some locations. Overall, accumulation of Cd, Zn, and Cu in GVPS was primarily associated with anthropogenic activities, particularly, application of manure. The high level of Hg found in some sites was related to historical heavy application of Hg containing pesticides. However, further identification of Hg sources is needed. To reduce accumulation of the trace metals in GVPS, organic fertilizer application should be suggested through development and implementation of reasonable and sustainable strategies.
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Lanqin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Biao
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Wenyou
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Mingcui
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mao
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture / Q000592:standards*; D002681:China; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005308:Fertilizers / Q000032:analysis; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis; D014675:Vegetables
chemical_list: D005308:Fertilizers; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014131:Trace Elements
keywords: Conventional and organic vegetable production; Eastern China; Factor analysis; Pollution classification; Trace metal accumulation