Multivariate and geostatistical analyses of the spatial distribution and sources of heavy metals in agricultural soil in Dehui, Northeast China

•The extent of metal accumulation in agricultural soil in Dehui.•Potential sources of metals in agricultural soils.•Spatial distribution of heavy metals in Dehui.

The characterization of the content and source of heavy metals in soils are necessary to establish quality standards on a regional level and to assess the potential threat of metals to food safety and human health. The surface horizons of 114 agricultural soils in Dehui, a representative agricultural area in the black soil region, Northeast China, were collected and the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb were analyzed. The mean values of the heavy metals were 49.7 ± 7.04, 20.8 ± 3.06, 18.9 ± 8.51, 58.9 ± 7.16, and 35.4 ± 9.18 mg kg−1 for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb, respectively. Anthropic activities caused an enrichment of Cu and Pb in soils. However, metal concentrations in all samples did not exceed the guideline values of Chinese Environmental Quality Standard for Soils. Multivariate and geostatistical analyses suggested that soil Cr, Ni, and Zn had a lithogenic origin. Whereas, the elevated Cu concentrations in the study area were associated with industrial and agronomic practices, and the main sources of Pb were industrial fume, coal burning exhausts, and domestic waste. Source identification of heavy metals in agricultural soil is a basis for undertaking appropriate action to reduce metal inputs.