Heavy Metal Pollution on Farmlands Near Coal Mines in Minzhong Region

Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu and Zn pollution in the soil of farmlands within the irrigation areas covered dominantly by effluent from the coal mines in western Datian County in Fujian Province (Minzhong) was surveyed for evaluation. Data on total metal contents and effective quantities of the pollutants were collected. It was found that Cd pollution was most serious, followed by Pb, Ni and Zn, and Cu least in severity. A significant correlation existed between the total amount and the effective quantity of the heavy metals in the soils. The content of organic matters significantly correlated with those of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn. Soil pH was significantly correlated inversely with Ni content, but not with the others. The safety risk of Cd pollution in the area was considered very high, while those of Pb, Ni and Zn high, and that of Cu low. Therefore, much attention must be paid to the problem and focused efforts implemented to safeguard the safety of agricultural products produced in the affected areas.