Temporal-spatial trends in potentially toxic trace element pollution in farmland soil in the major grain-producing regions of China

Abstract

Pollution from potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) is becoming serious and widespread in farmland soils in China, threatening food security and human health. Few large-scale studies systematically analyzed their temporal-spatial trends over vast spatially elaborate sites. The soil health status of the main grain producing areas was first announced based on a total of 3662 spatially elaborate farmland topsoil sites from the 1980s to the 2000s. Nearly 21.5% of sites were polluted, although only slightly. Pollution from the Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Hg was more serious. Pollution was more extensive in the south than in the north. There was an increasing trend in the PTE concentrations, especially Cd with a growth of 21–25%, and in the proportion of mixed pollution at the sites (19.3%), Cd (21.5%), Pb (3.6%), Zn (5.7%), Cu (7.0%), and Hg (3.1%). Furthermore, temporal variations in severe Cd pollution and mixed-level Hg pollution in the north are severer. This study may provide guidance for policymakers regarding the protection and high-risk area of PTE contamination in the soils.