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ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Spatial Distribution and its Driving Forces
Analysis of Soil Heavy Metals in Semi-Arid
Grassland Surface Coal Mining Areas
1
Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Sources and Sinks, China Meteorological Administration,
Wuxi University, 214105, China
2
School of Atmospheric and Remote Sensing, Wuxi University, 214105, China
3
School of Internet of Things Engineering, Wuxi University, 214105, China
Submission date: 2024-04-03
Final revision date: 2024-07-12
Acceptance date: 2024-08-23
Online publication date: 2025-01-22
Publication date: 2025-11-04
Corresponding author
Zhenhua Wu
Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Sources and Sinks, China Meteorological Administration, Wuxi University, 214105, China
Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Sources and Sinks, China Meteorological Administration, Wuxi University, 214105, China
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2025;34(6):6857-6867
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
For thousands of years, the development and utilization of coal have significantly contributed
to human progress; however, they have also engendered a series of ecological, social, economic,
and environmental problems, such as Soil Heavy Metal (SHM) pollution. At present, there is a lack
of large-scale investigations, systematic sampling, spatial distribution, and driving force analyses
specific to SHM contamination in semi-arid grassland surface coal mining groups. The existing studies
cannot fully grasp the distribution characteristics of soil heavy metal pollution within these mining
clusters, let alone the hazards posed by surface coal mining to surrounding farmland and pastureland.
Given this, this study focuses on the Shengli Coal Field in Xilinhot City, situated in the heart of the
Xilingole Grassland, as a case study to examine the spatial distribution (SD) and driving forces of SHM
in semi-arid grassland surface coal mining areas. The key findings are as follows: (1) The spatial
distribution patterns reveal that As is primarily concentrated in the southern regions of the surface
germanium mine and the western area of the No. 2 surface mine. Cd was mainly distributed in the
grassland and waste dump in the northwest of the No. 1 surface mine. Cu was mainly distributed in
the northwest and northeast of the study area. The SD of Zn was relatively similar to that of Cu. Pb is
mainly distributed in the grassland and waste dump in the northwest of the No.1 surface mine. Se was
mainly distributed in the north of the west at No. 2 and No. 3 surface mines. Ge was mainly distributed
in the surface germanium mine and its surrounding areas. Cd is mainly present in the grassland and
waste dumps located in the northwest of the No. 1 surface mine. Cu exhibits a prominent distribution
in the northwest and northeast of the study area, while the SD of Zn is relatively similar to that of Cu.
Pb is predominantly found in the grassland and waste dumps northwest of the No. 1 surface mine.
Se is concentrated in the northern regions of the west No. 2 and No. 3 surface mines. Ge is primarily
distributed within the surface germanium mine and its vicinity. (2) The driving factors influencing the SD of SHM in the study area encompass vegetation cover, water resources, surface mining,
urbanization, agriculture, and industrial activities. These factors interact and contribute to the observed
spatial patterns of SHM contamination. This study provides a scientific foundation for assessing and
restoring the soil environment in semi-arid steppe surface coal mining areas. Furthermore, it offers
valuable insights and serves as a reference for ecological restoration efforts and planning initiatives
aimed at mitigating the environmental impacts of surface coal mining in these fragile ecosystems.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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