This paper is the result of environmental geological survey engineering. Objective Heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, lead, copper and zinc are typical harmful elements in soil. Excessive intake can inhibit the growth and development of the organism. Its distribution in soil is influenced by the origin of primary geological background and human activities such as mining, atmospheric subsidence, pesticide and fertilizer application. However, the distribution characteristics of soil heavy metals under different land use types need to be further identified. Besides, the harmful effects of typical heavy metals need to be comprehensively sorted out and revealed. Methods By referring to the relevant research content at home and abroad, the spatial distribution characteristics of typical heavy metals in soil were sorted out, the effects of heavy metals on organisms in soil were summarized, and the toxic effects and targeted remediation methods of human exposure to high heavy metals in soil and groundwater were summarized. Results The results showed that the heavy metal content in soil had significant spatial variability due to the combined effects of primary geological background and land use type under human activities. The different content of heavy metals in soil will have different effects on the growth and development of soil microorganisms and plants, and enter the human body through the food chain and accumulate. When the accumulation of heavy metals in the human body is too high, it will destroy different organs and systems of the human body and threaten human health. Conclusions Pollution mode, pollution level and exposure route should be taken into account in the targeted treatment of heavy metals.