Heavy Metal Pollution in Surface Soils of Five Characteristic Sampling Sites in Central Taiwan

This study was conducted during 2009–2010 to observe the concentration variations of metallic elements (Ni, Zn, Cu, and Pb) in the soil samples collected from five characteristic sites in central Taiwan (industrial, science park, urban, wetlands, and rural areas). The collected soil samples were first digested with hydrochloric and nitric acids, and then analyzed through inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), using a Perkin Elmer Optima 2100 Plasma Emission Spectrometer. The results showed that the highest average concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Pb were found in the soil samples from the industrial area, suggesting that possible emissions of heavy metals from sources of metal industry and industrial processing. The wetland samples suggested possible emissions of heavy metal (Ni) from oil combustion sources. Heavy metal (Pb) was also found in the soils samples, possibly due to vehicle exhaust emissions.