Distribution characteristics of soil heavy metals and ecological environment pollution risk assessment in the kiwifruit production area of Zhouzhi in Xi′an

In order to provide the theoretical basis for the prevention and control of soil heavy metals, and the basic guarantee for local high-quality kiwifruit development in Zhouzhi kiwifruit production area of Xi′an, the spatial distribution characteristics and ecological risk of soil heavy metal elements was analyzed, and the in-depth understanding of the soil environmental quality status was investigated combined with the area human activities, surrounding environment and soil background. 192 soil samples from 16 townships of Zhouzhi County were collected, and contents of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr) as well as the pH values were analyzed and evaluated by using geo-accumulation index, potential ecological risk index, health risk index method combined with geostatistical method and geographic information system (GIS). The results showed that the average contents of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr) in the soil did not exceed the limit specified in GB 15618-2018 "Soil Environmental Quality and Soil Risk Control Standards for Agricultural Land" and HJ 332-2006 "Environmental Quality Assessment Standards for Edible Agricultural Products Producing Areas". The contents of heavy metals in the soil were generally at a clean level. The potential ecological risk of soil heavy metals in Zhouzhi is low and imposes no significant risk for human health.