Distribution Characterization Study of the Heavy Metals for a Mining Area of East Tianshan Mountain in Xinjiang Based on the Kriging Interpolation Method

Abstract

In order to understand the impact of mining development on the environment, a metal mine at east Tianshan Mountain in Xinjiang province was used as the object of study. The heavy metal content data were obtained from field sampling and indoor measurements, and the data were compared with the heavy metal background values, applying the geostatistic method and Kriging spatial interpolation theory to map the heavy metal distribution in the study area. The results show that the overall heavy metal contamination in the mining area is serious, with significant accumulation of As, Cd and Cr, which is a threat to local human and animal health. And there are obvious correlations and synergies between the distribution of these heavy metals, mostly showing positive correlations, which should be taken into more account in the subsequent environmental rehabilitation of the mine site.