Pollution characteristics and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in paddy fields of Fujian province, China.

To analyze the concentration, spatial distribution patterns, and ecological risks of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, As, Cu, Ni and Co), 272 topsoil samples (0-20 cm) were collected from paddy fields in Fujian province in July 2017. The results revealed that the mean concentration of all heavy metals exceeded the background values in Fujian province, with the mean concentration of Cd being 5.20 times higher than its background.