This paper is the result of environmental geological survey engineering.

Objective The distribution and ecological health risk of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in soil around a gold tailings pond in Pinggu District of Beijing were analyzed to provide data reference for regional land safety utilization and soil pollution prevention and control.

Methods The single factor pollution index method, Nemero comprehensive pollution index method, potential ecological hazard index method and health risk assessment model were used to evaluate the pollution degree, ecological risk and human health risk in the study area.

Results The spatial heterogeneity of PTEs concentration in the study area is high. The single factor pollution index of each pollutant was ranked as As(63.34%)>Cd(44.76%)>Pb(34.76%)>Cu(8.57%)=Zn(8.57%)>Hg(0.48%)>Ni(0.00%)= Cr(0.00%). The average Nemerow comprehensive pollution indexes of As, Pb and Cd are 4.88, 4.43 and 2.28, respectively, reaching the level of heavy pollution. The average value of the comprehensive potential ecological risk index is 640.73, which reached a strong risk level. The main contributing elements are Cd, As, Hg and Pb. As, Pb and Cr are the main contributors to non-carcinogenic health risks. Tailings pond, smelting sites and surrounding areas of mining sites have the risk of chronic diseases of As. The carcinogenic risk value of children is at an unacceptable carcinogenic risk level, and oral intake is the main exposure route of health risks.

Conclusions The soil around the tailings pond is seriously polluted by As, Pb and Cd, and the study area is at a strong ecological risk level. As is a priority control pollutant for human health, and the ecological health risk around the mining area needs special attention.