Horizontal distribution and levels of heavy metals in the biggest snowstorm in a century in Shenyang, China

The horizontal distribution and levels of heavy metals in the biggest snowstorm in Shenyang since 1904 were investigated by analyzing 4 metals (As, Cd, Pb, and Cu) in a series of ultraclean samples collected from 17 sites distributed in different regions of the Shenyang area, China. The results showed that the concentrations of all the 4 heavy metals in snow from the industrial regions were high, up to 7.3 (As), 2.2 (Cd), 850.0 (Pb), and 0.197–20.2 (Cu) μg/kg, respectively. In the suburb, in contrast, their concentrations were not detected, except for As. Because of the long-term application of arsenical pesticides and herbicides, As was detected in the snow samples which collected on the farm. As, Cd, and Pb were also detected in the snow samples collected from the parks, the residential areas, and the commercial districts mainly by reason of human activities. In a sense, long-term industrial activities, traffic activities, coal combustion, and agricultural activities affected the horizontal distribution and levels of these heavy metals in snow differently. The data relating to the horizontal distribution and concentrations of heavy metals in the snow under extreme climatic conditions can provide with a unique snapshot of environmental pollution situation and behaviors in urban areas.