Field survey and analysis of soil and rice samples were conducted to investigate arsenic pollution of paddy fields in 4 mining areas in southern Hunan, including Shizhuyuan lead-zinc ore (Chenzhou), Jiepailing stannary (Chenzhou), Shuikoushan non-ferrous metal ore(Hengyang) and Longwangshan gold mine(Hengyang). Results showed that soils and rice plants in the four mining areas were contaminated seriously with both arsenic and heavy metals. Arsenic contents in the soils were 30.0-225.7mg·kg^-1, which were higher than the 3-level of Nati...