Urban land use impact on soil heavy metal levelsin Lafayette, Louisiana

Urban soils can accumulate metal(loid)s from past and current human
activities, yet data from mid-sized U.S. cities remain limited. The study
aims to comprehensively map and analyze soil contamination, understand its
socioeconomic impacts. The ultimate goal is to equip the community with
critical data to mitigate heavy metal exposure and inform future urban
planning and public health policies. This dataset reports concentrations
of As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn measured in 1,290 composite topsoil
samples (0–2.5 cm) from five land uses in Lafayette, Louisiana (USA). This
study provides critical insights into the distribution of heavy metals in
urban settings, emphasizing the need for preventative measures and
targeted interventions to mitigate exposure risks. The comprehensive
mapping and analysis of soil contamination in Lafayette, LA, serve as a
model for addressing similar issues in other urban areas, contributing to
the broader understanding of environmental justice and public health.