Geostatistical analysis of the horizontal distribution of soil zinc in Guangdong, China

Spatial distributions of soil Zn concentration in three horizontal soils in Guangdong, China, were surveyed and analyzed using geostatisitic and GIS. A total of 260 soil profiles data followed an approximately lognormal distribution. The Zn geometric mean concentration of 38.4 mg/kg in surface soils is higher than that in global soils. From A- to C-horizon Zn geometric mean concentrations had an increasing tendency of 38.4, 41.9 to 45.9 mg/kg. The ordinary kriging estimates of Zn concentration were mapped. It showed higher local concentration around big city and historical mining area. The soil Zn distribution was mainly dependent on bedrock properties. The anthropogenic impact is distinguished in local areas such as mining areas, where the Zn concentration is higher than their guide value. The results showed a strong gradient of stock of Zn around the mining area.