Abstract

In order to validate the applicability of pXRF for rapid in situ detection of heavy metals in urban soils and to accurately obtain an assessment of soil quality in Changchun, a city in northeast China, 164 soil samples from within the main urban area of Changchun were collected for pXRF analysis. The main stable elements Si and Ti were used to establish a matrix effect correction model, and the values of Cr (64.2 mg⋅kg⁻¹), Cu (43.8 mg⋅kg⁻¹), Zn (96.2 mg⋅kg⁻¹), As (20.9 mg⋅kg⁻¹), and Pb (57.4 mg⋅kg⁻¹) were predicted. The empirical findings indicate that the quality of soil data from the pXRF was improved to different degrees under the correction model, and it became a relatively reliable dataset; the order of improvement was Cu > Pb > Cr > Zn > As. A comprehensive assessment indicated that Changchun City is primarily contaminated by the heavy metals As, Pb, and Cu, with the main sources being automobile manufacturing and pharmaceutical chemical production. These findings align with previous studies and have produced favorable outcomes in practical applications. This rapid, non-destructive and economical detection method is very applicable and economical for the sustainable monitoring and control of heavy metals in large cities. This study provides a basis for rapid large-scale prediction of urban soil safety and protection of local human health.