Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment ›› 2017, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (7): 622-631.doi: 10.11934/j.issn.1673-4831.2017.07.007

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Enrichment of Heavy Metals in Dust on Streets of Cities With Economy Depending on Coal Mining and Its Spatio-Temporal Variation:A Case Study of Suzhou City, Anhui Province

LIN Man-li1,2, GUI He-rong1,2, CHEN Song1,2, MIN Ning1,2, WANG Yao3, PENG Wei-hua4, LI Zhi-chun1,2   

  1. 1. School of Resources & Civil Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou 234000, China;
    2. National Engineering and Research Center of Coalmine Water Hazards Controlling, Suzhou 234000, China;
    3. College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China;
    4. School of Space and Environment, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
  • Received:2016-07-26 Online:2017-07-25 Published:2017-07-25

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Abstract:

To characterize heavy metals enrichment in street dust and its spatio-temporal variation in cities with economy depending on coal mining, 23 sampling sites were set up in Suzhou City (Anhui Province) for dust sampling continuously throughout a year. A total of 276 dust samples were collected for analysis of heavy metals concentrations with X-ray fluorescence spectrum analyzer and for characterization of the heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb) enrichment in dust and spatio-temporal variation, using the enrichment factor method and XYZ Contour of Origin software, respectively. Results show that, the mean concentration of Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb in the dust was 112.9, 27.5, 225.3 and 45.2 mg·kg-1, respectively, or 1.7, 1.3, 3.6 and 1.7 times as high as their respective background value in the soil of Anhui Province. Compared with other environmental media, like soil and sediment, the dust was relatively higher in Cr and Zn concentration. Analysis using the enrichment factor method reveals that Zn was moderately enriched, while Cr, Cu and Pb were all slightly enriched. On the whole, the four heavy metal elements did not vary much in concentration with the season, but Cr was higher in summer than in spring; Cu was, in spring than in summer and fall, and in winter than in fall; Zn was, in summer than in fall; while Pb did not have much apparent seasonal difference. Analysis for spatial distribution of heavy metals shows that dust high in Cr concentration was mainly distributed in the new industrial district of the city and coal-mining zones, while dust high in Cu, Zn and Pb concentration was distributed in areas busy with transportation and human activities, and down town of the city. It was also found through mathematical analysis that Cr originated mainly from industrial activities, while Cu, Zn and Pb from traffics. Furthermore, coal-burning for heating in winter and wind directions and speed in the studied area are all major factors affecting spatial distribution of the heavy metal pollutants. All these findings described above may serve as significant reference for local environmental protection and relevant scientific researches on such cities.

Key words: street dust, heavy metals, spatial-temporal distribution, coal resources city, Suzhou City

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