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LAPSE:2023.1943v1

Improvement of Ecological Risk Considering Heavy Metal in Soil and Groundwater Surrounding Electroplating Factories

Hong Fang, Xiujuan Wang, Di Xia, Jianting Zhu, Weida Yu, Yaoming Su, Jingwen Zeng, Yuanling Zhang, Xiaojun Lin, Yutao Lei, Jinrong Qiu

February 21, 2023

Abstract
Heavy metals in groundwater and soil are toxic to humans. An accurate risk assessment of heavy metal contamination can aid in environmental security decision making. In this study, the improved ecological risk index (RI) is used to comprehensively investigate the influence of heavy metals in soil and groundwater within electroplating factories and their surrounding regions. In the non-overlapping area, the RI of soil and groundwater is computed individually, and in the overlapping area, the greater RI of soil and groundwater is employed. Two typical electroplating factories are used to examine the heavy metal distribution pattern. The heavy metal concentrations are compared between Factory A, which is in operation, and Factory B, which is no longer in operation, in order to analyze the heavy metal concentrations and associated ecological risks. Heavy metals continue to spread horizontally and vertically after Factory B was closed. Heavy metal concentrations in groundwater surrounding Factory B are substantially greater, and the maximum concentration exists deeper than in Factory A. Because Cr, Cu, and Hg in soil contribute significantly to the RI, the primary high RI region is observed at Factory A and the region to the southwest. The RI of Factory B demonstrates a broad, moderate risk zone in the west and southwest.

Record ID

LAPSE:2023.1943v1

Keywords

electroplating factory, environmental evaluation, groundwater, heavy metal, multivariable analysis, soil

Subject

Environment

Suggested Citation

Fang H, Wang X, Xia D, Zhu J, Yu W, Su Y, Zeng J, Zhang Y, Lin X, Lei Y, Qiu J. Improvement of Ecological Risk Considering Heavy Metal in Soil and Groundwater Surrounding Electroplating Factories. (2023). LAPSE:2023.1943v1

Author Affiliations

Fang H: South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
Wang X: South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
Xia D: South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
Zhu J: Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA [ORCID]
Yu W: South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
Su Y: South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
Zeng J: South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
Zhang Y: South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
Lin X: South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
Lei Y: South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
Qiu J: South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, Guangzhou 510655, China

Journal Name

Processes

Volume

Issue

First Page

1267

Year

2022

Publication Date

2022-06-27

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10071267