Spatial Distribution and Quantitative Source Analysis of Nickel in Soil : A Case Study from Zhejiang Province

For the purpose of spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metal elements investigation, topographic analysis, land use status and irrigation water factors were analyzed with a view to detailed source identification of heavy metals. In this study, multivariate statistical analysis methods, such as correlation analysis and factor analysis, were employed to initially study of the causes of the small-area abnormality of nickel in the soil from a typical coastal area of Zhejiang Province in the Southeastern China. Some soil sampling areas selected were keeping clean (alert) areas, and their nickel contents were slightly exceeding the standard value, which were mainly related to the input of dust from irrigation water, automobile exhaust, and tire wear into the soil, except for atmospheric deposition and the application of chemical fertilizers based on the analysis of spatial interpolation. Moreover, the relationship between the heavy elements of agricultural products and the land environment was further systematically investigated. Therefore, this study can provide an important reference for ecological evaluation and subsequent pollution prevention