Study on Heavy Metal Pollution and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Soil in Granite Hilly Slope Land: A Case Study of Huayuan Town, Xiangxi, Hunan, China

There is relatively limited research on the soils of granite hilly and slope areas within China. In Huayuan County, Xiangxi, Hunan Province, weathered granite-derived soils are widely distributed, particularly in hilly, sloped, and agricultural regions. Therefore, this study focuses on Huayuan Town in Huayuan County as the research site, systematically investigating the characteristics and sources of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils on granite hilly slopes and surrounding areas. The results show that the geological accumulation indices of various elements in the samples are all less than 0, indicating that the area is not polluted. The Mn content is the highest, which may be influenced by the local distribution of manganese ores. The spatial distribution characteristics of Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, V, Fe, and Hg are relatively similar. The elements Co, Fe, V, Ni, Cr, Zn, and Mn exhibit strong homology, and these elements primarily originate from the primary minerals in the granite parent rock, such as biotite, hornblende, magnetite, and trace sulfides. This study provides scientific evidence for the prevention and control of agricultural soil pollution and supports sustainable agricultural development.