Fluorine Pollution and Pollution Sources of the Paddy Soils in a Lead-Zinc Mining Area

Fluorine pollution of a certain lead-zinc mining area and pollution sources of surrounding farm- lands were investigated using mesh points method. The results showed that the fluorine pollution of the paddy soils was serious, with 73% of sampling areas higher than 800 mg∙kg−1, which would easily lead to endemic fluorosis. Average soil fluorine content was 1118 mg∙kg −1 , and the average soil health index of fluorine was 1.36, and average soil pH was 5.40. Soil lead contents were ranged from 43 mg∙kg−1 to 4961 mg∙kg−1, with an average of 517 mg∙kg−1. Soil zinc contents were ranged from 83 mg∙kg−1 to 4620 mg∙kg−1, with an average of 650 mg∙kg−1. Moreover, fluorine contents were significantly positively correlated with pH (P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with lead contents. Fluorite mining, mineral mine mining and smelting may be the main sources of fluorine pollution in paddy soils of the investigated area. Soil parent material, pesticides and chemical fer- tilizers could cause fluorine contamination in the paddy soils. The research is potential for im- proving soil environments and the control of endemic fluorosis.