Risk assessment, spatial distribution, and source identification of heavy metal(loid)s in paddy soils along the Zijiang River basin, in Hunan Province, China

Purpose This study aimed to reveal spatial distribution of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn in paddy soils in the Zijiang River basin and to evaluate its pollution status and potential ecological risks, and thus to provide basic information for rational utilization of paddy soils in the study area.