Objective The aim was to evaluate the contamination status and potential ecological risk associated with seven heavy metals(Pb、Hg、Cd、Cr、Cu、Ni, and Zn) and one metalloid (As) (hereafter collectively referred to as heavy metals) in agricultural soils surrounding key industrial and mining operations in Huadian County, the study employed a multi-element approach, analyzing the content data of As, Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in soils.

Methods These data were integrated with the geo-accumulation index, the Nemerow integrated pollution index, and the potential ecological risk index to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics and sources of heavy metal contamination.

Results The results demonstrated that the cumulative enrichment of Hg, Pb, and Cu in the soil was considerable, with average contents of 0.090, 55.99 and 30.36 mg kg⁻¹, which were 2.70, 2.53, and 2.01 times higher than the background values of the soil, respectively. The geo-accumulation index revealed that Cu reached the mild pollution level, while Hg exhibited heavy-to-very heavy pollution in localized areas and Pb was heavily polluted. The results of potential ecological risk index indicated that Hg reached a high risk level and became the primary pollutant. The principal component analysis and correlation analysis demonstrated that Cu, As, and Hg primarily originated from industrial and mining emissions. In contrast, Cr and Ni exhibited a dual influence, shaped by both geological background and human activities. Zn and Cd demonstrated a relationship with agricultural activities, while Pb was predominantly affected by transportation and industrial activities.

Conclusion The study demonstrates that industrial and mining enterprises, as well as human activities, exert a considerable influence on the soil environment in the study area. To mitigate the potential ecological risks and safeguard the regional soil and ecological environment, it is imperative to implement effective measures, particularly in the control of Hg and Cu pollution.