Influence of agricultural practice on trace metals in soils and vegetation in the water conservation area along the East River (Dongjiang River), South China

► Soil Cd exceeded the upper limit of Chinese standard for agricultural soils. ► Relatively high concentrations of Cd were recorded in the 60-cm soil profiles. ► Agricultural soil had higher concentrations of metals and lower 206Pb/207Pb ratios. ► Pb in above-ground tissues of plant was more anthropogenic than soil. ► Atmospheric deposition may be a major pathway for Pb to enter plant leaves.