[Distribution characteristics and ecological risk of Pb in soils at a lead battery plant].

Soil samples were collected from 18 sites at a relocated lead accumulator factory in the Southwest region, China. Among the 15 sample sites, profile soil samples at 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm and 40-60 cm were taken. Soil lead contents were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Characteristics of Pb in topsoil and soil profiles collected from different sampling sites were discussed. Results showed that: (1) The total Pb contents in topsoil (0-20 cm) ranged from 18.18 to 52,332.50 mg x kg(-1). The maximum content greatly exceeded the national standard (HJ 350-2007). The Pb concentration in different workshops followed a decreasing order: the fourth workshop > the second workshop > waste lead storage pit > sewage works > the third workshop > the fifth workshop > the first workshop > the original fourth workshop > the packing workshop > the office area. (2) Results of profile distribution showed that soil depth had no significant effect on Pb content. Lead can be highly accumulated at different depths of the soil, which was quite different from natural soils. (3) Hakanson's potential ecological risk index evaluation showed that there was widespread ecological risk in the soil of the plant, and serious ecological risk existed in some workshops where a large number of lead was enriched. Therefore, the site must be restored in order to reuse it.