ABSTRACT This study investigated the pollution, potential ecological risks, and possible sources of trace elements in Gobi soils of the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Contents of Hg in soils were below the detection limit. The average contents of the remaining trace elements in soils ranged from 0.21 (Cd) to 2360.82 (As) mg/kg. Multiple methods were used to evaluate the soil pollution of the study area. Pb posed the most serious pollution based on geo-accumulation index evaluation. As showed the strongest enrichment feature according to enrichment factor method. Compared with pollution load index and modified contamination degree, Nemerow pollution index results obtained the most serious evaluation on pollution that 10% and 40% of sampling sites possessed moderate and high pollution, respectively. Trace elements in soils posed high ecological risks in 20% of sampling sites. Pearson’s correlation matrix and principal component analysis were used to determine that anthropogenic activities such as industrial and mining activities might be the main source for several trace elements. This study will provide important information on soil quality control in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, especially the area with little vegetations.

中文翻译：

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青藏高原东北部戈壁土壤中的微量元素

摘要 本研究调查了青藏高原东北部戈壁土壤中微量元素的污染、潜在生态风险和微量元素的可能来源。土壤中汞含量低于检测限。土壤中剩余微量元素的平均含量为 0.21 (Cd) 至 2360.82 (As) mg/kg。采用多种方法对研究区土壤污染进行评价。根据地积累指数评价，铅污染最为严重。根据富集因子法显示出最强的富集特征。与污染负荷指数和修正污染程度相比，内梅罗污染指数结果得到了最严重的污染评价，分别有10%和40%的采样点为中度和高度污染。在 20% 的采样点，土壤中的微量元素构成了高生态风险。使用 Pearson 相关矩阵和主成分分析确定工业和采矿活动等人为活动可能是几种微量元素的主要来源。本研究将为青藏高原东北部，特别是植被少的地区土壤质量控制提供重要信息。