Heavy Metals in Soils in the Industrial Zones of Wuhu

An investigation was carried out on heavy metal contamination of soils in the industrial zones of Wuhu (Siheshan District and Matang District). The results indicated that the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd) in the soils of the two districts were higher than their respective background values. In Siheshan District, the pollution of Cu was the most serious, and the pollution of Cd came the next. In Matang District, the pollution of Cd was the most serious, and the pollution of Zn followed. The concentrations of heavy metals in the soils were basically negatively correlated with soil pH, while the contents of total heavy metals positively correlated with the content of their extractable forms. The heavy metals in the soil came mainly from the wastewater, and atmospheric dry deposition as well.