Entropy Method for Risk Zoning of Provinces in China Subjected to Pb Contamination

Under the guidance of "sources-state-receptors" conceptive model, a ranking system for Pb contaminated sites in China with provincial level based on Shannon's entropy methodology was developed in this article. Criteria are identified by the conceptive model which consist of a combination of the attributes (risk sources, state of control mechanism, and vulnerability of receptor) associated with the potential human health and risks posed by contaminated sites. Original site data are directly used to avoid the subjective assignment of weight to site attributes by entropy method. The results of ranking were in good correspondence to the regional actual situations, indicating that entropy method was applicable in this field. This method offered a new research means and idea to quantitatively assess regional environment risk, and the results could provide support for further risk management of government.