ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Sources and Pollution Evaluation of Heavy Metals
in Urban Green Space Soil
of Suzhou City, Anhui Province, China
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School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, 234000, Anhui, China
Submission date: 2025-06-13
Final revision date: 2025-09-02
Acceptance date: 2025-09-07
Online publication date: 2025-11-17
Corresponding author
Jiying Xu
School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, 234000, Anhui, China
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ABSTRACT
To investigate the heavy metal pollution in the soil of different parks in Suzhou city, surface soil
samples were collected from 37 sampling points in 6 parks in Suzhou city. Pollution characteristics
analysis, ecological risk assessment, and source analysis were conducted for the elements Hg, Cd,
Cu, Pb, Cr, and Zn in these samples. The results showed that the order of the excess rate of heavy
metals at the sampling points was Cd > Hg > Pb > Cu > Zn > Cr. According to the analysis of the Nemerow
Comprehensive Pollution Index and geoaccumulation index, it was found that Cd and Hg were the
most serious pollutants. These two elements were the most important contributing factors to potential
ecological risks. Pollution Load Index analysis indicated that all parks exhibited moderate pollution.
Among them, Chengnan Park shows the lowest pollution level, while Xuefeng Park demonstrates
the highest pollution level. Principal component analysis revealed that three sources were apportioned,
which were parent material and agricultural activities (32.705%), transportation (29.162%), and mining
and coal-burning activities (19.189%). The research results can provide a basis for the improvement of
urban green spaces and the treatment of heavy metals in Suzhou City.